Friday 3 January 2020
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
1 John 2:29-3:6. Psalm 97(98):1, 3-6. John 1:29-34.
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God – Psalm 97(98):1, 3-6
‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’
What is in a name? When we are called by our name we encounter our deepest identity. Through a life of being called by our name we become who we are – our deepest self. When we call another by their name, we enter into relationship with them. We draw forth a response from them, and we move into conversation and mutuality.
Today the church celebrates The Most Holy Name of Jesus. This feast recognises that through this human name we encounter God. The name of Jesus is the name of the Incarnate Word of God. It is in and through this name that we have salvation.
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as ‘the Lamb of God’. John knows Jesus’ deepest identity. Indeed, John ‘prepared the way for the Lord’, moving into the background when it came time for Jesus to fulfil his mission.
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