January 3, Most Holy Name of Jesus

I will give you all the nations for an inheritance. — Psalm 2:8

Mass Readings: 1 John 3:22-4:6 / Matthew 4:12-17,23-25

Power in the Name of Jesus 

When I was a kid, one of the most active organizations in my parish was the Holy Name Society. I remember it as a group with an atmosphere of strong male energy that was clearly evident when members from all over northern New Jersey gathered for a public parade. 

There’s power in that name. As today’s first reading says: “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” (Phil 2:6-9).  

Prayer: Praise the holy name of Jesus, now and forever.