THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS, JANUARY 3, 2024

Francisco de Zurbarán

Spanish Painter

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Jn 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus 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 Israel. "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."

REFLECTION

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Lamb of God? In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were made by the Temple priests for atonement of sin. The main purpose of these sacrifices was for repentance, forgiveness and sanctification. When we want to make it right with someone we have offended, we foremost say we are sorry. Then we make an offering- spiritual or physical- to show that we are truly saddened at our behavior, our actions because we have offended that person. Our sins offend God who is all kind, gentle and loving. However, He is just and one should never take advantage of His love.

But why did the ancient ones in the Old Testament choose a lamb? Why do we refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God? Lambs are soft, wooly, and gentle, a baby sheep that stays with the mother and other lambs. The sacrificial Passover lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of Moses and ended the sacrifice of animals. He is the ultimate and final sacrifice. He is giving, loving and selfless. He is alive!!

The saving name of this pure lamb, Jesus, in Hebrew means, "God saves". Archangel Gabriel gave the name of Jesus to Mary at the Annunciation. Only God can forgive sins and it is God who, in Jesus His eternal Son made man, "will save His people from their sins". (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 430, 431)

 Mass is the re-presenting the one sacrifice of Jesus for us. The Sacrifice is living because Jesus is alive. God has given us His Son and we in turn give back to God an offering of praise and thanksgiving. We offer to God His Son, a living sacrifice, in atonement for our sins. We offer ourselves as well. Always keep the Name of Jesus in our mind, heart and soul. We will be protected by Jesus.

At the name of Jesus, heaven, earth and hell will kneel. Do all in the name of Jesus and His will for us will always be first.

Breathe in Jesus, hold Him and don't let go of Him, breathe out Jesus and share Him. https://www.papamio.org/prayer-to-the-holy-name-of-jesus

God bless you