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| An above-ground sculpture representing rocks underground, a celebration of dirt and its importance to life |
On this third day of January, Franciscans enjoy the privilege of celebrating the Holy Name of Jesus. The memorial is not celebrated by the whole church, but only within our community and our parish churches because Saint Francis and his disciples had such a devotion to the Name of Jesus.
In a society which prefers visual cues like pictures, films, and videos, and the visual evidence of written words, it may be difficult to understand why Christians are enchanted by a name.
Perhaps it helps to recall how some people name drop. They like to remind you how many important persons they have met, and those they know well. Certain names have cachet.
But, more to the point, some names open doors. If you’re looking for work, a prospective employer will ask for your references. If you enjoy the respect of certain people, it might win an employer's second look among many other applicants. Every little bit helps and names are often more than just a little help.
On this memorial we remember that God chose the baby’s name before he was conceived. Joseph and Mary were separately given careful instructions about that; and, because both kept the word of God, they obeyed. I wonder if they were wonder-struck, like the couple in Field of Dreams, when they both said, "I was given this name by an angel."
We remember the reverence given to Jesus’ name during his life and during the apostolic age, as described by Saint Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. The story of the healing of a beggar in Acts 3-4 is especially important:
Acts 3: 6 -- Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk.”
Acts 3:16 -- And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong; and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you.
Acts 4: 7-12 -- They brought them into their presence and questioned them, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them,
“Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’
There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
Our American culture mistakenly prizes solid objects, forgetting how important spiritual gifts are. But Christians prize above all the Holy Name of Jesus. It is our greatest possession and our sweetest privilege. It is our daily prayer for one another, and our surest passport to Eternal Bliss.
May God bless you in the Holy Name of Jesus.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.