281.Bless His Holy Name

281. Bless His Holy Name

Today, we celebrate a memorial of "The Holy Name of Jesus." The image on this page, is a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ. In the Third Century, the name of Jesus was often shortened and the letters for Jesus and Christus became IH and XP. In the following Century, the "nomina sacra" (Sacred Name) became IHS or XPS (for Iesous Christos (gr.)). These Greek monograms continued to be used in Latin during the Middle Ages. The monogram became better known after the twelfth century when St. Bernard, insisted on the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Towards the close of the Middle Ages IHS became a symbol with three nails, underneath the H. The whole figure is surrounded by rays. St. Bernardine of Siena (d. 1444), adapted the IHS monogram and through him it became popular. Although it is used to this day, it is more frequently seen in the more traditional Churches.

Bless His Holy Name! - That is my fervent wish. I can only speak for the United States, and no matter where I have traveled, I've found that the "Name of Jesus" is one of the most misused names, and that is tragic. People take His name in vain without even giving it a second thought. Here, however, we shall concern ourselves with the proper use of His Holy Name.

"The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always. When the holy name is repeated often by a humbly attentive heart, the prayer is not lost by heaping up empty phrases, but holds fast to the word and "brings forth fruit with patience." This prayer is possible "at all times" because it is not one occupation among others but the only occupation: that of loving God, which animates and transfigures every action in Christ Jesus." (CCC 2668)

Praying for others. How do we pray for other peoples' needs? We should first thank and praise God for all He has done for us, and then, in humility, we can ask Him to help other people. And afterwards, do not forget to thank Him for helping us and them. Your prayer will be more effective if you have a habit of spending time with Jesus. Often attend Holy Mass (weekdays, as well as Sundays and Holidays of Obligation). If you cannot go to Holy Mass on weekdays, try finding a Church which has Perpetual Adoration, and sit with Jesus for half an hour or more. Do everything, particularly prayer alone, and with or over other people, "in the Name of Jesus!"

"In the Name of Jesus" gives any prayer strength and adds His Intercession to any just cause. On the other hand, taking His name in Vain, as in curses, inane sayings, adjectives, or any manner of speech, is throwing away His goodness and Grace. Jesus is the "Word made flesh." Through His death and resurrection, He has made it possible for us to be with him in eternity. Let us continue the Christmas refrain: "O Come, Let us Adore Him," throughout the entire year. Let us also continue to "Bless His Holy Name" in our daily lives as Franciscans.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
09/22/2008

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