3 Jan – Memorial for the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Today’s feast day is a remembrance and celebration of the conferral of the Holy Name of Jesus. A separate votive Mass under this title is found in the revised Roman Missal and may be used for an annual celebration (e.g. titular of a Church), or as an expression of devotion which is part of the tradition and spirituality of a religious order. It was formerly listed as the Sunday between 1 and 6 January, if one occurs. It was instituted in the 15th century by the bishops of Germany, Scotland, England, and Belgium. It was extended to the universal Church in 1721. There is a commemoration in the Mass of the Octave of St. Stephen if the feast is kept on the second, of St. John on the third, and of the Holy Innocents on the fourth of January.
- Patron Saint Index
Ph 2:1-11
Lk 2:21-24
“There must be no competition among you, no conceit, but everybody is to be self-effacing; Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead.”
It is rather common that the seed of resentment within relationships is borne from the lack of appreciation and recognition. It is especially so that the absence of thanks and appreciation in families becomes a vacuum that is ironically fertile for the growth of discontentment and unhappiness. Do you experience this in your relationships? The scripture readings, in particular, the words today of St Paul to the Philippians made me wonder about the weight of ‘vainglory’ that burdens those who value the import of titles, designations and laurels. There will always be people who do the work with the self-important consciousness of being higher in place than others and perform their service with self-serving interests.
In the workplace, we will naturally have titles and duties. In the home, we all play respective roles in the family. Nonetheless, some duties and work can be thrust upon one whether by happy choice, or displeased obligations. Yet, the work still needs to be done… by someone.
In this Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, we are guided to ponder upon the holiness of Jesus’ name, whose “[the] name the angel had given him before his conception”. (Lk 2:21) God chose this name for him and he was given not just a name, but the various titles of Immanuel, Redeemer, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Light of the World, King of Kings, Messiah, Good Shepherd… and so on. Each of these names represented not only Jesus’ identity but also his holy duty.
When we look back on history and realise the holy duty of Jesus Christ, these names are not glorious alone, but bear a great burden of service to mankind. God did not give accolades to his son for an easy life. Rather, these titles represented his vocation and the work he both needed to, and chose to accomplish. Hence, these fancy titles really meant nothing to him in his earthly life because he never enjoyed the prestige or luxury of being the ‘King of Kings’.
He was not waited upon by droves of court servants. Instead, he washed the feet of his disciples.
He was not fed with the cream of the crop and delicious banquets. Instead he broke bread with the common man and suck on a hyssop stick in his abject thirst.
He was not dressed in purple and gold finery as did the Roman emperors of the time. Instead, the soldiers stripped him and cast lots for his garments.
I imagined that if Jesus expected all of these luxuries, he would certainly be crushed with the weight of disappointment for earthly recognition — wouldn’t he? In this sense, appreciation, adulation and recognition would be a heavy burden upon his shoulders as he walked those 33 years on earth.
As we contemplate on this Most Holy Name of Jesus today, let us offer up the burden of unrealised recognition and appreciation to God, as Jesus did. May we also find solace, joy, and purpose in striving hard with a generous and loving spirit, just as St Ignatius prayed — “Lord, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost… to labour and not to look for reward… save that of knowing that I do your holy will.”
St Paul in the first reading (Ph 2:6-11) of his letter to the Philippians said the same:
“Have among yourselves the same attitude
that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
His state was divine,
yet he did not cling
to his equality with God.
but emptied himself,
to assume the condition of a slave,
and became as men are;
and being as all men are,
he was humbler yet,
even to accepting death,
death on a cross.
But God raised him high
and gave him the name
which is above all other names…”
(Today’s OXYGEN by Debbie Loo)
Prayer: Christ Jesus, teach me to love the name you have given to me; the roles, and duties I have been given in my workplace and family. Help me recognise that all these come from you. Help me to be more like you so that I may serve with humility and generosity.
Thanksgiving: Thank you God, for giving me a name as wonderful as mine — that you have loved me and thought of me when I was in my mother’s womb. May I live up to my given name and live up to my spiritual name that I chose in baptism and confirmation — so that I may bring you glory.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment