The month of January is dedicated to devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
WE give honour to the Name of JESUS, not because we believe that there is any intrinsic power hidden in the letters composing it, but because the Name of JESUS reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. To give thanks for these blessings we revere the Holy Name.
"In my name They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover". (Mark 16:17-18)
In the Name of JESUS the Apostles gave strength to the lame (Acts 3:6; 9:34) and life to the dead (Acts 9:40). It gives consolation in spiritual trials. The Name of JESUS reminds the sinner of the prodigal son's father and of the Good Samaritan; it recalls to the just the suffering and death of the innocent Lamb of God. It protects us against Satan and his wiles, for the Devil fears the Name of JESUS, who has conquered him on the Cross. In the Name of JESUS we obtain every blessing and grace for time and eternity, for Christ has said: "If you ask the Father anything in my name he will give it you." (John 16:23) Therefore the Church concludes all her prayers by the words: "Through Our Lord JESUS Christ".
One very simple devotion to the Holy Name that we can practice is to bow our heads when we hear or speak the name of Jesus. Why not try it for the month of January?
