In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus invites us to reflect on the profound significance of Christ’s name, a name that carries divine authority, salvation, and unshakable hope. Two scriptural passages—Acts 4:8-12 and Luke 2:21—shine a radiant light on this mystery, guiding us to understand why the Church Fathers and saints exalted the Holy Name with such fervor and devotion.
Acts 4:8-12: The Name Above All Names
In Acts 4:8-12, St. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims before the Sanhedrin:
“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Peter’s words are a bold confession of faith in the salvific power of the Name of Jesus. This moment underscores the authority vested in the name, not as a mere appellation, but as a signifier of Jesus Christ’s divine mission and identity as the Savior of the world.
The Church Fathers spoke eloquently about this truth. St. John Chrysostom taught:
“The name of Jesus is not an empty sound but the very foundation of our salvation. In invoking it, we proclaim the mystery of the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of the Son of God.”
Similarly, St. Augustine emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Christ:
“The Name of Jesus is our health, for it was in that Name that the lame man walked, and in that Name that our sins are forgiven.”
The Acts passage reminds us that the invocation of the Holy Name is an act of faith, a declaration of Christ’s lordship, and a channel of divine grace.
Luke 2:21: The Circumcision and Naming of Jesus
In Luke 2:21, we read:
“And when eight days were completed for His circumcision, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
This moment is rich with theological significance. The circumcision of Christ represents His entrance into the covenant of Abraham, while His naming underscores His divine mission. The name “Jesus” (Yeshua in Hebrew) means “God saves,” revealing the very essence of His Incarnation.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, in his sermons on the Holy Name, reflects on this moment with profound insight:
“The Name of Jesus is honey to the mouth, melody to the ear, and joy to the heart. It signifies our salvation, for He is not only the Mediator but also the price of our redemption.”
The Holy Name was not a human invention but a divine revelation, given by the angel Gabriel. St. Gregory of Nyssa notes:
“In the naming of Jesus, heaven declared to earth the mystery of salvation. It was not a name imposed by human convention but revealed by the wisdom of God Himself.”
The obedience of Mary and Joseph in naming the Child reminds us of our call to surrender to God’s will and to honor His revelation with humility and trust.
The Holy Name in Devotion and Tradition
From these scriptural passages and the teachings of the Fathers, we see why the Church treasures the Holy Name of Jesus. It is invoked in prayer, venerated in hymns, and defended against blasphemy.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologiae, explains why the Holy Name should be treated with reverence:
“The name of Jesus is to be invoked because it represents the very person of the Savior, whose name carries the power of His divine nature.”
Devotion to the Holy Name is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practice that transforms the believer. The Litany of the Holy Name, a traditional prayer of the Church, calls upon Jesus as the King of glory, the Morning Star, and the Eternal Wisdom, leading the soul into deeper union with Christ.
Living the Mystery of the Holy Name
In our own lives, we are called to invoke the Holy Name with faith, love, and reverence. The example of the early martyrs, who died proclaiming the name of Jesus, and the saints, who lived their lives immersed in its power, inspires us to turn to Him in all our needs.
As St. Paul reminds us:
“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11).
May we, like St. Peter, boldly proclaim the saving power of the Holy Name. May we, like Mary and Joseph, embrace God’s will and honor His revelation. And may we, like the Church Fathers, treasure and meditate upon the sweetness and glory of the Name of Jesus, which is indeed honey to the soul and joy to the heart.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, let us heed the wisdom of the Fathers and the witness of the saints, who remind us of the depth of grace contained in that sacred Name. Whether whispered in prayer, proclaimed in praise, or invoked in times of trial, the Name of Jesus is a refuge, a source of strength, and a foretaste of the eternal glory that awaits those who call upon Him in faith.
Let us pray:
O Holy Name of Jesus, sweet to the lips and saving to the soul, be ever on our tongues and in our hearts. May we live in the light of Your Name and proclaim it with love and reverence, now and forever. Amen.