We love the Holy Name here at Nomen Christi Apostolate, because the name of our ministry means “Name of Christ.” Our Blessed Lord has given us the greatest opportunity for peace, for when we ask anything in His Name, it will be granted…
“Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask me any thing in my name, that I will do. If you love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:13
But as you can see above, there is something the Lord asks in return: that we keep His commandments. Again, we are told…
“For, amen I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Remove from hence hither, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.”
Matthew 17:19
So, the question is, do we believe Our Lord when He says this? It takes prayer and the life of sacramental grace to understand this teaching and live by it. When faced with any of life’s “impossible” dilemmas, we have only to ask for help in His Name, and we know the outcome will be for the best…even if we do not get exactly what we asked for, in our imperfect humanity.
“…in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6
In the coming days, we will be faced with situations we have never encountered before and this faith will be absolutely crucial. And it will astound those around us, how we are able to deal with these trials with grace and peace…and love above all.
Why is January dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus? In the traditional calendar, the first day of the month is the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, when He was publicly given His Name. Also, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Name on the 3rd in the new and the 5th in the trad…
“And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.”
Luke 2:21
“…behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
Matthew 1:20
“Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other.
For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 4:10
How can we honor the Holy Name of Jesus this month and in the coming year? Here is one more verse of Holy Scripture we might consider…
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that shall take the name of the Lord his God in vain.”
Exodus 20:7
How often do we hear the Name of Jesus casually thrown about in public? How often is His Name dishonored in our entertainment? If we are to call down mercy during these times, we must show God a worthy people. We must find such things unacceptable.
Here is the prayer which concludes the Litany of the Holy Name…
“O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said:
Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you,
grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask, the gift of Thy most divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our heart, and in all our words and actions, and never cease from praising Thee. Make us, O Lord, to have both a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name, for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou foundest upon the strength of Thy love, Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.”
In addition, the beautiful prayers of the Tridentine Mass of the Holy Name can be said throughout this month.
It is a new year, which we also begin with the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Let us entrust the year 2025 to her most powerful intercession.
The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on the 5th in the new and the 6th in the trad. Here is the Epiphany Blessing of the Home for you to print and recite with your family. It is such a blessing…
Epiphany Blessing of the Home Printable PDF
Wishes for many great blessings to all in the new year! Stay tuned for Part 2…