Why the Holy Name of Jesus Deserves Our Reverence on January 3

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3 invites Catholics to honor the sacred name given by divine command, meaning "Yahweh saves" or "God is salvation," as revealed to Mary and Joseph in the Gospels. This optional memorial underscores the name's power for prayer, protection, and salvation, drawing from Scripture where every knee bends at Jesus' name. Revering it on this day connects believers to Christ's redemptive mission, especially as January dedicates itself to this devotion.

Biblical Roots of the Holy Name

Scripture establishes the Holy Name's centrality: an angel instructs Joseph to call the child Jesus because "he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21), emphasizing salvation tied directly to the name. Saint Paul proclaims in Philippians 2:10 that "at the name of Jesus all knee should bow, of those in paradise, on earth, and below the earth," highlighting universal reverence earned through Christ's obedience unto death. Acts 4:12 affirms no other name under heaven saves, making "Jesus" a prayer invoking divine presence and aid.

The name embodies God's identity—Yeshua from Yahweh—fulfilling Old Testament promises, as Jesus unites humanity through Incarnation, allowing all to invoke it for grace. Praying "Jesus" welcomes the Risen One, containing "God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation" per the Catechism (CCC 2666). This sacramental quality brings healing, strength, and exorcism, as promised in Mark 16.

Historical Devotion and Church Tradition

Devotion surged in the 15th century through saints like Bernardino of Siena and John of Capistrano, who promoted the Litany of the Holy Name and IHS monogram, leading to the feast's 1530 institution. Jesuits and Franciscans championed it, with St. Bernardine using IHS—Iesus Hominum Salvator (Jesus, Savior of Men)—for blessings, miracles, and city protections. The Church concludes prayers "through Jesus Christ our Lord" to harness its efficacy, as Jesus promised fulfillment of requests in His name (John 14:13).

January's dedication amplifies this, with customs like inscribing the name on homes for demonic protection alongside the Cross. Popes restored the feast post-Council of Trent, affirming its role in liturgy and personal piety against blasphemy, honoring the Second Commandment.

Spiritual Power in Daily Life

Invoking "Jesus" offers infinite merits from His Passion, sharing in global Masses and granting bodily aid, demon expulsion, and recovery as at the Ascension. It fills souls with sweetness, remedies infirmities, and calms storms for believers, countering fear and darkness. Saints teach it as all-powerful prayer, bringing joy to God and confidence in needs.

In trials, the name provides refuge for penitents, hope for the despairing, and transformation through faith. Catholics venerate it to glorify the Father, as every tongue confesses Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

Celebrating on January 3

Mark the feast with the Litany of the Holy Name, family prayers, or inscribing IHS on doorways for blessings into the New Year. Parishes host adorations, teaching children reverence through songs and stories of saints. Integrate into resolutions: repeat "Jesus" mindfully for peace, aligning January's spirit with salvation's source.

This reverence transforms ordinary days, as the name—above all names—ushers divine presence, urging deeper love for the Savior it signifies.