The Holy Name of Jesus
Happy New Year! This season always feels full of new possibilities. This year, I want to clear out some of the clutter in my life. Recently, I was sorting through a shoebox of odds and ends — the kind that sits, dusty, at the top of your closet. I found a card my mother gave me shortly before she passed away 28 years ago. It was signed, “Love, Mom,” with her familiar, flowing handwriting. I decided to cut out her signature and use it as a bookmark in my Bible as a keepsake. In many ways, “Love, Mom” also sums up how I see Our Lady’s role in my life.
St. John Paul taught in Signum Magnum 33 (1967) that “Mary our spiritual Mother transcends the boundaries of time and space because she never ceases to counsel us in her maternal office.”
Luke 2:19 tells us that Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This gentle pondering is a way to join in God’s work.
How can we follow Mary’s example? Consider picking up the rosary. If it has been a while since you last prayed it, I invite you to begin again. As we reflect on the mysteries of the rosary, we, too, ponder God’s work in Christ and find ourselves drawn more deeply into it.
So, on January 1, we honor Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. She draws us into the mystery of Christ. May Mary’s heart lead us closer to the heart of Jesus.
“Love, Mom”
Melissa McCoy
Melissa McCoy
Maryville Chaplain
What does it mean to celebrate the Most Holy Name of Jesus?
The aim is to connect with the meaning, power, and greatness of His name and to recognize the divine authority behind it. As it is written in Philippians 2: 9-11, ‘Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’
The second commandment tells us not to use the Lord’s name carelessly, but to honor, respect, and treasure it. That is how important it is.
Think about the names of people who are special to you, like your grandmother, your child, your best friend, or your spouse. Their names remind you of who they are, and you feel close to them. The name of Jesus is even more precious, and we are invited to connect deeply with who He is and His role in our lives. You might try praying with His name, saying, “Jesus, be with me,” “Jesus, mercy,” or “Jesus, come to us.” Another daily practice to honor His name could be to pause before speaking it, allowing a moment of reflection on its significance. You might also consider using His name during moments of gratitude or need, such as saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” or “Help me, Jesus.” Additionally, dedicating specific times of the day to reverently repeat His name can be a powerful exercise of devotion.
Remember:
Ask:
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
