Throughout Sacred Scripture, we see that God gives those who are involved in his divine plan a name. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, and Jacob became Israel, right on through to Simon the fisherman, who was called Rock (Peter). In many cases, this new name reflected their new role. Our Lord’s name was designated even before his conception. This demonstrates that throughout every instant of his life, he had this purpose and role.
“Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus.” (Lk 1:31)
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| The Glorification of the Name of Jesus by Antoine Sallaert. |
In this latter passage, Gabriel points out what Jesus’ purpose is – to save people from their sins – to bring salvation. The name itself means “God saves”. At once, it echoes the mystery of the Incarnation, which the feasts of Christmas and the Epiphany highlight particularly, telling us that this child is God. Secondly, it reveals to us why God became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). He came to save us, as Gabriel tells us.
A consideration of the Holy Name of Jesus naturally leads us to consider the great veneration that the Jews have for the tetragrammaton, revealed to Moses at the sight of the burning bush. The name was considered so sacred that “Lord” was often used instead whenever it appeared in the Old Testament. While the name of Jesus is not given this reserved regard, it should nonetheless not be used profanely. After all, in Paul’s epistle to the Philippians he tells us that at the name of Jesus “every knee shall bow” (Phil 2:10). This sentiment is reflected in the liturgy as we all bow our heads at least whenever the Holy Name of our Blessed Saviour is mentioned. This attitude should not therefore be suspended outside of the liturgy. The name of Jesus should not be used lightly, let alone in outright blasphemous situations. Furthermore, since the rate of blasphemy as regards the holy name is increasing, acts of reparation for this should be undertaken by all who hold the name in great reverence. A good way of doing this would be to say the corresponding Divine Praise “Blessed be the name of Jesus”, preferably out loud so as to repair for the blasphemy said aloud.
Incidentally, the revelation of the tetragrammaton to Moses at the burning bush reminds us of the liturgy for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated on the first day of the year and the octave day of Christmas:
“Moses saw the thornbush which was on fire yet was not burnt up. In it we see a sign of your virginity which all must honour; Mother of God, pray for us.” – Third Antiphon of First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Here we see that the bush that was burning but was not consumed by the fire is compared to the Mother of God, who, while a virgin, became a mother without losing her virginity. In this regard, it is also similar that after she became a mother, her child’s name was given, like how God’s name was revealed at the burning bush. It is therefore fitting that the month of January be dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, for within the first couple of days, there are two feasts which remind us of the holiness of the name and the reverence due to it.
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Splendour of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Sun of Justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of Chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Lover, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Author of Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Model of Virtues, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the Poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite Goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Way and our Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of the Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Light of Confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Crown of all Saints, have mercy on us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus!
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus!
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From your wrath, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus.
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the neglect of your inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Nativity, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Infancy, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your most divine Life, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Labours, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Agony and Passion, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Cross and Dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Death and Burial, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Joys, deliver us, O Jesus.
Through your Glory, deliver us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you"; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of your most divine love, that we may love you with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease to praise you.
Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of your holy name, for you never fail to govern those whom you solidly establish in your love. You, who live and reign for ever and ever. R. Amen.
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