The Holy Name of Jesus

Note:  Apologies again.  I didn't realize I had gone past the deadline time of 9:46 am as I was writing yesterday's slice.  It will be posted along with today's.  I'm watching the clock!   

Today's commemoration of the Holy Name of Jesus will probably be overlooked at most weekday Masses, but it is an important one, for the name Jesus, means SAVIOR.  It was the name given by Gabriel (Lk 1:31) and, according to Matthew,  Joseph is directed by an unnamed angel to name the child Jesus. (cf. Mt 1:21).  St. Paul tells us in Philippians 2: 9-11:  "Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  The Jesuits promoted the Holy name with the familiar monogram IHS, the first two and last letters of the spelling of Jesus, IHESUS.  So much we take for granted, so often do we hear this sacred name uttered in anger, as the most powerful swear word we can find.  Certainly it is a good thing to repeat the name of Jesus often, but not in this context.  On January 1st, formerly the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus when he officially received his name,  due reverence was given to it on that day.  We rely now on the Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus to restore that Holy Name to its proper place.  May we say it, pray it, and even as we used to do, bow when we speak or hear it.
Bro. Rene