St. Thomas Aquinas once said about the Name of Jesus:

“Truly…this name Jesus is of great and manifold power; for it is a refuge for the penitent, a remedy for the sick, a strength for those struggling, a support for those praying, because it confers pardon from sin, the grace of health, victory to those tempted, the power and confidence to obtain salvation…” -St. Thomas Aquinas.

It's hard to wrap our heads around how one Name can hold so much power, but that's exactly what the Church asks us to do in January, which is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Refuge... Remedy... Strength... Support...

How can It be all of these things at once?

At the start of the year, we learn how by honoring the very Name of Jesus. It may sound simple, but as you will soon discover, there is much more to the devotion than there seems on the surface.

The Origin of the Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus

In 1530, the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus was granted to the Franciscans. It currently falls on January 3.

Also occurring in January, on the first of the month, is the Feast of Christ's Circumcision. We commemorate the day when the Infant King was officially named "Jesus."

But before these more modern feasts, the Apostles and faithful disciples of Jesus in the early Church spread His Name and their devotion through their preaching, writings, and martyrdom.

Specific devotion to the Name of Jesus began in the early Middle Ages, when Pope Gregory X called for the Universal Church to worship Jesus' Name in 1274. The Dominicans preached on the devotion and built altars where Catholics could venerate the Holy Name of Jesus.

Why We Honor the Holy Name of Jesus

The Bible, saints, and Church Teaching all indicate the importance of honoring the Holy Name of Jesus.

At the Annunciation, God commanded Mary through the Angel Gabriel to name her Son "Jesus," meaning "God Saves." Before He was even born, His Name held great power. It meant that He would be the Savior of us all, the long-awaited Messiah.

The Church teaches us that "Jesus" is more than a name. It's a powerful prayer to be treated with the utmost reverence and respect.

Many saints, such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, and St. Gemma Galgani, had strong devotions to the Holy Name of Jesus. They adored His Name, revered It, and put their trust in It.

Most significantly, God Himself made honoring His Name a commandment. "Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain."

Devotion to His Name makes amends for the improper use of It, which happens all too frequently. Reparation is an act of love, not just correction.

What the Bible Tells Us About Jesus' Name

In the Bible, we find clear illustrations of the power of Jesus' Name.

• The Book of Philippians calls Jesus' Name "above every name," indicating that it is worthy of the highest honor.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” – Philippians 2:9

• Jesus tells his followers in the Book of John that if we want something, we need only ask in His Name.

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” – John 14:13

• In the Book of Matthew, Jesus assures us that He will be close to those who gather to worship Him.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

• Philippians 2:10 powerfully states:

"At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth." - Philippians 2:10

• The Apostles performed many miracles in the Name of Jesus, using His power to heal the sick and make the blind see.

5 Ways to Honor the Holy Name of Jesus

1. Repeat His Name lovingly: one of the simplest ways to honor Jesus is to utter "I love you, Jesus" or "My Jesus" throughout the day. You can even set reminders to help you develop a habit.

2. Make Acts of Reparation: any time you hear Jesus' Name taken in vain or blasphemed, say, "Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name."

3. Meditate on His Name: spend time contemplating the Name of Jesus and the power It holds. Let It fill you and bring you peace.

4. Pray The Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus: this litany honors and invokes Jesus through His many titles.

5. Obey the Second Commandment: God forbid us from taking His Name in vain, and doing so is a grave sin.

Live a Life of Homage to Jesus' Holy Name

The Name of Jesus is not something we should ever take lightly. Throughout Church history, the Bible, and the lives of the saints, we see boundless love, honor, and respect for Jesus' Name.

Those examples show us how important this devotion is, especially now, when it's so commonplace to swear using God's Name.

We have the power to atone for the sins committed against the Name of Jesus. God also gives us power to do great things in His Name.

Let's all honor the Holy Name of Jesus this month so that He receives the homage He is due.

Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name.