The All-powerful prayer of the Holy Name of Jesus
On January 3 we celebrate the feast day of the Name of Jesus. Among the saints who spoke about the Name of Jesus is St Alphonsus Liguori.
St Alphonsus was born in 1696 in Naples. A lawyer who became a priest, St. Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). He was a fervent preacher, and a moral theologian of eminence. He was much in demand as a confessor, seeking to win back the sinful by gentle and direct appeal to the Gospel. He wrote many works of devotion which became very popular. He was made bishop of Sant’ Agata dei Gotti, but after thirteen years returned to his congregation. He died in 1787. He was canonized in 1839, proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1871 and Patron of Confessors and Moralists in 1950.
On the Holy Name of Jesus this Doctor of the Church, St Alphonsus (1696-1787), wrote the following: The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer. Our Lord, Himself, solemnly promises, that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, we shall receive. God never fails to keep His word. Each time we say “Jesus,” it is an act of perfect love, for, we offer to God, the infinite love of Jesus.
This great Neapolitan Doctor of the Church was hundred percent right in what he wrote. In fact, in the Gospel of St John, Jesus openly told us: Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it (John 14:13-14). You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (John 15:16). In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, he will give it to you in my name. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:23-24).
Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love, and strength! You are the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who mourn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith, the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick. To You our devotion aspires; by You our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating You. O Name of Jesus, You are the glory of all the saints for eternity. Amen.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
