DAILY- HOMILY

January 3, 2015 Saturday

Most Holy Name of Jesus 

(Titular Feast of the Society of Jesus)

Solemnity, White

Sir 51: 11–17 / Phil 2: 1-11 / Lk 2:21-24.

From the 2nd Reading: Phil 2: 5-11

     Let what was seen in Christ Jesus be seen in you: though being divine in nature, he did not claim in fact equality with God, but emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and in his appearance found as a man. He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross. That is why God exalted him and gave him the Name which outshines all names, so that at the Name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven, on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that Christ Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.

From the 2nd Reading: Lk 2: 21

     On the eighth day the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Reflection:

     The name of Jesus stands out as a name above all other names. In the Bible Jesus is given many names and titles: Prophet, King, Messiah, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Son of Man, Servant, Savior. In the words of the Bible he is the Altogether Lovely One.

     Of all the names and titles given to the Son of the living God, none is as precious, as sweet, as majestic as the name Jesus. It is a special name. During the time of Jesus, the name of Jesus was no different from other names given to children. While this is true, the name was chosen for the Son of God not by his Mother Mary nor by his foster-father Joseph but by his heavenly Father.

   The name points back to the Father. The name "Jesus" means "Jehovah is salvation." In the Old Testament God is a God of wrath and judgment; in the New Testament God is purely and wholly Love. God is love and everything he does is an outgrowth and an expression of his love. Therefore, when the Father sent Jesus to come into our world he was sending a message to humanity, "I have not forgotten nor forsaken you. I love you and I give my Son who will reveal me to you."

     It is a name that paints God's portrait. The name Jesus at once reveals the Son's mission and the Father's heart. God is not in the business of condemning people but in the business of saving people. He does not wish to have anyone go to hell. He tells us that the fires of hell were made for the lost, for the devil and his fallen angels. When the Father chose the name Jesus for his Son, in one word he was telling every creature in his creation that his goal was the redemption and salvation of mankind. This is what he wanted and this is what he accomplished through Jesus.

     Jesus mounted Calvary and died for all people. He humbled himself and died in place of sinners. Some people carelessly use the word "Jesus" as a "slang" word, even a sort of expletive. If that glorious name is spoken from a heart of faith, that person can experience firsthand the salvation contained in that name.

     Everything in the name Jesus is special. Do you know Jesus? Have you experienced the power behind his name? If you have, then you know why this is the name above every other name. You know why Jesus is exalted and why the mention of that precious name can speak peace to the troubled, comfort to the hurting, joy to the sad, hope for the hopeless, life to the dead and glory to the saved. Do you need him now? He is as close as the mention of his holy Name.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILYPRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     ANTONIO & LOURDES CHOA

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     DR. GEORGE G. EUFEMIO

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+