Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus

We are still in the octave of Christmas and while today is noted as a Christmas Weekday in the USCCB Readings I think this is a great day to look at the optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

 

Here is the explanation from the Office.

 

About Today

The veneration of the Holy Name of Jesus has deep roots in Christianity, with early mentions in Acts 4:10 and Philippians 2:10. The IHS monogram, derived from the Greek name ΙΗΣΟΥΣ (Jesus), was used on altars and objects since early Christianity, symbolizing devotion to Christ. Official recognition came in 1274 at the Council of Lyons under Pope Gregory X, and the Feast of the Holy Name was established in 1530.

Prominent medieval figures like Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and the Dominican friar Henry Suso promoted the devotion, viewing the Holy Name as spiritually powerful. The hermit, mystic and religious writer Richard Rolle compared its invocation to a “healing ointment” for the soul. In the 14th century, Blessed Margaret Ebner wrote extensively about its transformative power.

The 15th century saw widespread popularity, led by Franciscan priest Saint Bernardine of Siena, who displayed the IHS monogram in gold during sermons. Pope Martin V eventually endorsed Bernardine’s efforts, and the monogram became common in Italy, inscribed on homes and venerated at the basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome.

In the 16th century, the Jesuits adopted the IHS monogram as their emblem, adding a cross and three nails, and dedicated their mother church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, to the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Devotion to the Holy Name continues today, with numerous religious communities formed in its honor since the Middle Ages. 

Prayer to the Most Holy Name of Jesus attributed to Saint Bernardine of Siena.

 

 

Jesus, a name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who mourn,
the delight of those who believe,
the light of those who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil,
the healing of the sick.

To You our devotion aspires;
by You our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating You.
O Name of Jesus,
You are the glory of all the saints for eternity.

Amen.

 

What a wonderful day as we move forward in the Christmas season. IHS, we see it often on medals and crosses. Most aren’t sure what it means.

 

I was in a wood working store the other day and was having a conversation with a fellow Christian who worked there. He had retired from teaching. A Protestant brother in the faith. We were of similar ages and easily continued our conversation beyond typical store employee and customer discussions. We had started out talking about wood I was going to use to build a cross for my church to use on Good Friday. We eventually talked about the crucifix and he showed me a medal he had found and had customized. He had taken a James Avery medal with IHS on it and had it placed on the cross. It was a cherished possession he saw representing his love of Jesus and the cross. He explained to me he believed it meant “In His Service.” I did not feel the need to correct him. For he had intuitively understood the calling of Jesus Christ and his name does indeed include service to Him and others. In fact, I think his understanding is more fruitful than understanding the Greek origins of the symbol for he understood his mission.

We continued to share about our faith and our grandchildren. He gave me some good ideas for helping my own grandson.

He was serving Jesus and sharing what he had with all he met. He clearly loved God and others.

 

Today would be a good day to remember the power of the Holy Name of Jesus and it’s impact on all who speak it, pray it and keep His name in the center of our life. And share it with others. You never know where you might meet someone and be of service to them.