The Holy Name of Jesus revolves around the profound veneration and devotion to the name of Jesus, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the writings of saints. The Holy Name symbolizes the very presence, power, and person of Christ, embodying the mystery of salvation.
Biblical Foundations
- Scriptural Reverence for the Name of Jesus:
- In the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel declares to Mary, “You shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31), indicating its divine origin.
- The name Jesus means “God saves” (Matthew 1:21), encapsulating the mission of Christ as the Savior of mankind.
- St. Paul emphasizes the majesty of the name: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).
- The Power of the Name:
- In Acts 3:6, St. Peter heals the lame man by invoking the name of Jesus, showing its miraculous power.
- The name of Jesus is invoked in prayer, exorcism, and preaching throughout the New Testament.
Early Devotion to the Holy Name
The early Christians revered the name of Jesus with great devotion. It became a mark of their faith, often invoked in martyrdom. Early Fathers of the Church, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Cyril of Jerusalem, encouraged believers to cherish and honor the name of Jesus as a profound source of grace.
St. Bernardine of Siena and the Spread of Devotion
One of the most notable promoters of the Holy Name was St. Bernardine of Siena (1380–1444), a Franciscan preacher known for his zealous devotion.
- Promotion of the IHS Monogram: St. Bernardine popularized the use of the IHS symbol, derived from the Greek abbreviation for Jesus (Iesous). He encouraged the faithful to place this monogram on buildings and in churches as a sign of love and protection.
- Preaching on the Holy Name: Bernardine preached extensively on the power and sanctity of the name of Jesus, inspiring widespread devotion throughout Europe.
Liturgical Recognition
The Church formally instituted the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus to deepen devotion. Although its date varied historically, Pope Innocent XIII established it universally in 1721. In the traditional Roman calendar, the feast is celebrated on January 2nd, or in some regions on the Sunday between January 2nd and January 5th.
Writings of the Saints on the Holy Name
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux: In his sermons on the Canticle of Canticles, he wrote of the sweetness of the Holy Name: “The name of Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, joy in the heart.”
- St. Francis of Assisi: Known for his profound love of the Holy Name, he often spoke of it as the essence of the Gospel message.
- St. Alphonsus Liguori: The great moral theologian emphasized invoking the Holy Name as an antidote to temptation and despair.
Spiritual Practices and Devotions
- The Jesus Prayer: Rooted in Eastern Christianity, the simple prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” is a profound way to honor the Holy Name.
- Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus: Approved by Pope Leo XIII, this litany invokes the name of Jesus in a series of praises and petitions.
- The Chaplet of the Holy Name: A lesser-known devotion consisting of 33 beads, representing the 33 years of Christ’s life.
Theological Significance
The Holy Name embodies the following theological truths:
- Incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully man, sent for the salvation of humanity.
- Salvation: The name reflects Christ’s mission to save souls, as indicated by its etymology.
- Sanctification: The invocation of the Holy Name purifies and sanctifies, aligning the soul with the divine.
Legacy of the Holy Name
Devotion to the Holy Name has inspired countless saints, religious orders, and lay faithful throughout history. The Jesuits, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, adopted the IHS monogram as their emblem, signifying their commitment to glorify the name of Jesus in all they do.
Through Scripture, Tradition, and the example of the saints, the Holy Name of Jesus shines as a beacon of love, mercy, and divine power, drawing the faithful closer to the heart of Christ.