January 03, 2015

Holy Name of  Jesus  Titular feast of the Society of Jesus

Luke 2: 21-24

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations

They Named Him Jesus

What’s in a name? My own given name? Our family name? The name “Jesuit”? And what does it mean to my life and spirit to pray day in and day out “in the name of Jesus”?

What difference does it make in my daily attitudes and actions that I have been baptized, confirmed, sent forth as someone who lives out the gospel of Jesus in my daily living? Do others recognize in my personal spirit the influence and values of Jesus? This feast day, can I name the ways in which this is true...or perhaps not so accurate?

Come, my Jesus, fill my life and spirit with the strength of your holy name!

—The Jesuit Prayer Team

Prayer

Life-giving God, your Word took flesh from the Virgin Mary, our mother, and you gave him the name Jesus. Transform our minds and hearts that each of us may reflect the holy name of Jesus in all we speak and accomplish for your greater glory. Amen!

—The Jesuit Prayer Team