The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Another Dominican devotion is to the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has some wonderful things to say about this Name:

To pray “Jesus” is to invoke him and to call him within us. His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies. Jesus is the Risen One, and whoever invokes the name of Jesus is welcoming the Son of God who loved him and who gave himself up for him. The name “Jesus” contains all: God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation (CCC #2666).

How powerful is that Name! How much It should be loved and reverenced! I share the following little meditation, drawing upon Scripture:

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, first announced by the angel Gabriel: Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, obediently bestowed on him by Joseph at the circumcision: The only Name by which we can be saved.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, which Mary pondered and kept in her heart: Son, they have no wine.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, anointed with power and the Holy Spirit: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, health of the sick and refuge of sinners: Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, abused and blasphemed by those who do not believe: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus, victorious over death; our way to the Father and Bread for the journey: If you only knew what God is offering!