Above Every Other Name!

Saturday, January 3, 2026

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Phil 2:1-11; Lk 2:21-24

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus invites us to invoke Jesus’ name as often as possible. 

Calling upon Jesus’ name above every other name could develop into a spiritual practice for Christians in this New Year.

The etymology of the name ‘Jesus’ has its roots in several languages: Aramaic (Isho), Hebrew (Yeshua), and Classical Latin (Iesus). It is also related to another biblical name, Joshua. Essentially, the name ‘Jesus’ means ‘The Lord is Salvation.’ The name announces Jesus’ mission to save people from their sins. 

We find many references to the name of Jesus in the New Testament. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul explains the greatness of Jesus’ name by saying, ‘At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth’ (Phil 2:10). References in the Gospel uphold the invocation of Jesus’ name. John 16:23 reads, ‘My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.’ Mark’s Gospel highlights the wonders that Jesus’ disciples will be able to perform just by calling upon his name with faith. ‘In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well’ (Mk 16:17-18). The apostle Peter cures a lame man by saying, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’ (Acts 3:6). Instantly, the man’s feet and ankles become strong, and he begins walking and praising God. St. Paul’s preaching in the name of Jesus inspired other Jewish exorcists to imitate him by commanding devils in Jesus’ name: ‘In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out’ (Acts 19:13). These passages demonstrate the importance of calling out Jesus’ name with faith. 

St. Bernardine of Siena fostered the devotion of the Holy Name of Jesus. History remembers that when the saint went about preaching in the cities of Italy, he carried a copy of the monogram of Christ’s Name (IHS), surrounded by rays, painted on a wooden tablet. (Though the popular interpretation of the Latin monogram is ‘Iesus Hominum Salvator,’ meaning ‘Jesus, Savior of Men,’ it is also connected with ‘In Hoc Signo,’ the short form of ‘In Hoc Signo Vinces,’ meaning ‘In this sign you will conquer’). While praying over the sick, the symbol was held aloft to be venerated by those who sought God’s help. Many miracles were reported during the veneration of Jesus’ Holy Name. At the close of his sermons, the saint exhibited the emblem to the faithful and asked them to prostrate themselves in adoration of the Redeemer of Humanity. St. Bernardine also recommended the faithful to have the monogram of Jesus placed over the gates of their cities and above the doors of their homes to act as a means of securing divine favors. 

St. Ignatius of Loyola developed such a strong sense of devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus that the sixteenth-century saint and founder of the Jesuits adopted it as his seal as the general of his newly founded order. The monogram remains the Jesuit official seal till date. 

Psychology holds that the power of names is deeply personal, and hearing our own name has a profound psychological effect. It associates a certain power, identity, and respect whenever a name is called out. If it is true of an ordinary name, how about experiencing the magical power of calling out Jesus’ name? It is for this reason that Christians are encouraged to invoke Jesus’ name above every other name as much and as often as possible.

So much so, I heard a preacher scream from the pulpit that ‘If you invoke Jesus’ name, which only takes just a moment, all your pain and problems will vanish! You will always cherish the presence and nearness of Jesus with you always!’ 

Jesus’ name represents the saving power of God. It helps us preserve in us the God consciousness. 

This is why the more we call upon the name of Jesus, the more our inner strength grows. 

Let us pray that we may carry the Holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar