(The Most Holy Name of Jesus)
Information about the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Proper readings for the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Optional readings may be taken from texts for Votive Masses #983, The Most Holy Name of Jesus
“The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79 |
you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness
is begotten by him.
that we may be called the children of God.
Yet so we are.
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
for sin is lawlessness.
You know that he was revealed to take away sins,
and in him there is no sin.
No one who remains in him sins;
no one who sins has seen him or known him.
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Commentary on 1 Jn 2:29–3:6
This selection, from St. John’s first letter, starts by telling his followers that, since they have chosen to act in accordance with the Lord’s commandments, they have received his adoption. The evangelist first tells his audience that, if they are righteous, they are of God, because God is righteous. Then he goes on to say if they are pure, they are in him (Jesus) because he is purity. Finally he gives us the inverse, saying if they are in sin they cannot be in God, because in God there is no sin. All of this relative description relates to our adopted status in the Lord.
In chapter 3 the evangelist explains Christian adoption. “The greatest sign of God's love is the gift of his Son (John 3:16) that has made Christians true children of God. This relationship is a present reality and also part of the life to come; true knowledge of God will ultimately be gained, and Christians prepare themselves now by virtuous lives in imitation of the Son.” [4]
CCC: 1 Jn 3 2822; 1 Jn 3:1 1692; 1 Jn 3:2 163, 1023, 1161, 1720, 2519, 2772; 1 Jn 3:3 2345; 1 Jn 3:5 457
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
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Commentary on Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
Gospel: John 1:29-34
coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
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Commentary on Jn 1:29-34
After stating the connection between Jesus Christ and the Baptist’s mission, the author follows the tradition of the synoptic Gospels as he describes Jesus emerging from his baptism in the Jordan and the descent of the Holy Spirit. St. John concludes this testimony by St. John the Baptist with a solid affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God.
John’s great epiphany guides the Church's Christology: Jesus followed John the Baptist, being born after he was but ranking high above him. John the Baptist came baptizing with water; Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. St. John recounts how, when Jesus came to the repentant bath in the Jordan, the dove descended and God the Father claimed him.
CCC: Jn 1:29 408, 523, 536, 608, 1137, 1505; Jn 1:31-34 486; Jn 1:31 438; Jn 1:32-34 713; Jn 1:32-33 536; Jn 1:33-36 719; Jn 1:33-34 1286
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Reflection:
[1] The picture used today is “The Adoration of the Name of Jesus” by El Greco, 1578-79.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] NAB footnote on 1 Jn 3:1ff.
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