Today, the Church celebrates the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The veneration of sacred names has been observed since the time of early Christianity but veneration of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
developed as a separate type of devotion in the Early Modern period (approximately 1500 AD to 1800 AD). Official observance of this feast dates back to 1530 AD.
Today's gospel passage provides an example of one who venerated the Holy Name of Jesus. John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said: 'Behold the Lamb of God ... A man who is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me (Jn 1:29-30). These are the words of one who already enjoys a relationship with God, perhaps one who has already developed a prayer life.
Like John, each of us is also invited to enter into a relationship with Jesus: including frequent moments of prayer when we listen in faith to the voice of God who loves us. God was made known in the person of Jesus, who came among us in the form of a little child. This is the joyful news that was proclaimed to the shepherds, the news that we celebrate every year at Christmas.
Have a great day.
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