The Holy Name of Jesus

We come to consider how this holy Infant, now born spiritually, shall be named.  I think there is no name more fitting for him than Jesus, for Scripture says:  He was called Jesus (Lk 2:21).  This is the most sacred of all names.  It was foretold by the prophets, announced by an angel, proclaimed by the Apostles, and desired by all the saints.  O powerful name!  O grace-filled and joyous name!  O delightful and glorious name!

This name is powerful, because it brings down our enemies, restores our strength, and renews our mind.  It is grace-filled, because in it is contained the foundation of faith, the ground of hope, and the fulfillment of holiness.  It is joyous, because it is gladness to the heart, music to the ear, honey to the tongue, and splendor to the mind.  It is delightful, because it nourishes when it is recalled, soothes when it is uttered, anoints when it is invoked, refreshes when it is written, and instructs when it is read.  It is a truly glorious name, because it gives sight to the blind, makes the lame walk, brings hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, and life to the dead.  O blest name endowed with such powers!

Devout soul, whether you are writing, reading, or teaching or whatever you are doing — may nothing have taste for you, nothing please you, apart from Jesus.  To the little Infant begotten in you spiritually, give the name Jesus, which means:  Savior, amidst the miseries of this life.  May he save you from the vanities of the world which entice you, from the deceits of the devil which surround you, and from the weakness of the flesh which torments you.

Devout soul, amidst the many scourges of this life cry out:

Jesus, Savior of the world, save us
whom you have redeemed by your cross and blood.
Help us, O Lord our God.
Save us, sweet Jesus, our Savior.
Strengthen the weak, comfort those who mourn,
help the frail and give constancy to the faint-hearted.