Regarding this feast, again, we will look at the wonderful commentary by Sylvester P. Juergens SM, Doctor of Sacred Theology, in The New (as of 1958) Marian Missal :
“Its origin is traced to the XVIth century, when it was celebrated by the Franciscan Order. In 1721 Pope Innocent XIII made the keeping of this solemnity universal.”
Here are some excerpts from this Tridentine Mass:
“In the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: and let every tongue confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.”
“O Lord our Lord: how admirable is Thy Name in the whole earth!”
“O God, Who didst constitute Thine only-begotten Son the Savior of mankind, and didst bid Him to be called Jesus: mercifully grant, that we who venerate His holy Name on earth, may fully enjoy also the vision of Him in heaven.”
“For there is no other Name under heaven given to man, whereby we must be saved.”
“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations: that we may give thanks to Thy holy Name, and may glory in Thy praise.”
“Thou, O Lord, our Father and our Redeemer: from everlasting is Thy Name.”
“Alleluia, alleluia. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy Name. Alleluia.”
“I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name for ever: for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee, alleluia.”
“May Thy blessing, O most merciful God, by which every creature lives, sanctify, we beseech Thee, this our Sacrifice, which we offer unto Thee to the glory of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that it may be well-pleasing to Thy Majesty for Thy praise, and profit us unto salvation.”
“All the nations Thou hast made shall come and adore before Thee, O Lord, and they shall glorify Thy Name: for Thou art great; and dost wonderful things: Thou art God alone. Alleluia.”
“O almighty and everlasting God, who didst create and redeem us, look graciously upon our prayer, and with a favorable and benign countenance deign to accept the Sacrifice of the saving Victim, which we have offered to Thy Majesty in honor of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ:
that through the infusion of Thy grace we may rejoice that our names are written in heaven, under the glorious Name of Jesus, the pledge of eternal predestination.”
This missal gives daily inspirational messages from a work called The Following of Christ. Here is the message for today, which is quite relevant during these confusing times:
“When thou hast Christ, thou art rich, and He is sufficient for thee. He will provide for thee, and be thy faithful procurator in all things: so that thou needest not to trust in men.”
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As in the Mass for the Circumcision, red vestments are worn today. That is something to meditate upon. What do you think is the reason?
January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. The month begins with the feast which commemorates the moment Our Lord received His Holy Name. A few days later, we celebrate the feast of this Name in both the old and new calendars. Let us find devotions this month which honor and glorify His Name and always defend it from profanation!