The Most Powerful Name

January 3, Tuesday of the Christmas Week
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Daily readings: 1st John 2: 29-3: 6; Gospel: John 1: 29-34

Today is the Solemnity of the Holy Name of JESUS. The biblical context of the celebration is the Jewish Tradition of the circumcision and naming of baby Jesus as the gospel states, “After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Lk 2:21). Jesus was named eight days after Christmas, that is, January 3, and the name ‘JESUS’ or ‘Yeshua’ in Hebrew means “God is salvation” or “God saves."

The name Jesus was the God-chosen name to be named, as the Angel instructed Mary at the moment of Annunciation. (Lk 1:31). And Joseph also had a dream in which the angel told him, “You shall call him JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt. 1: 21).

The New Testament is filled with incidents where the name of Jesus is invoked to drive out demons, cure illnesses, and perform miracles. St. Paul gives us an exhortation about the importance of the Holy Name of Jesus in his letter to the Philippines: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth” (Phil. 2:10).

In all cultures, a person's name is inextricably linked to their identity. Today’s feast, therefore, focuses on the unique means of salvation, that is the person of Jesus, because he alone is “true God and true Man.” Holy name is all-powerful because of the person who bears it.

The exorcism formula of the church uses the name ‘Jesus’ as the source of power. Thus, in the power of the name of JESUS we have “deliverance from evil,"  salvation, and forgiveness of sins.

Further, it is traditionally believed that recitation of the Most Holy Name JESUS produces holy thoughts, noble sentiments, and pure afflictions and strengthens us in virtues, and begets good works. Amen.