TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 09, 2021

MASS READINGS

Responsorial Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars which you set in place—

What is man that you should be mindful of him,

or the son of man that you should care for him?

R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

You have made him little less than the angels,

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him rule over the works of your hands,

putting all things under his feet.

R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

All sheep and oxen,

yes, and the beasts of the field,

The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,

and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

REFLECTION: "O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!"

How do we use the name of Jesus?

Is it a blessing? Or is it simply a curse word?

The Holy Name of Jesus is in itself a prayer to God the Father. Jesus Himself told us: "And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." (Jn 14:13-14)

Many of us don't know that the Name of Jesus itself is Holy, and that is why we should bow our heads every time it is said.

From the booklet "The wonders of the Holy Name", by Father Paul O'Sullivan, O.P., we read:

Every time we invoke the name of Jesus, we give God joy and glory, because we are offering Him the infinite merits of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

Every time we invoke the name of Jesus, we commit a perfect act of love, because we offer to God the infinite love of Jesus.

The Holy Name of Jesus saves us from innumerable evils, and especially rescues us from the power of the devil, who is constantly trying to harm us.

The Name of Jesus will gradually start filling our souls with peace and joy that we never felt before.

The Name of Jesus will give us strength in a way that our sufferings will seem light and easy to bear.

So, what should we do? How can we do this?

We should accustom ourselves to repeat the name of Jesus many times during the day. By saying this simple prayer, repeating His Holy Name, we will receive graces and the help to do all our actions well.

A good way to learn this, is to say the "Breathing Jesus" prayer.

Take a deep breath, and hold it for a few seconds.

Then, as you exhale half of your breath say "Jesus".

Hold your breath for a few seconds.

Finish exhaling by saying "Mercy".

The "Breathing Jesus" prayer helps us glorify His Name. Now, we live in a time where His Name has been taken out of the public square, schools, and even everyday lingo. What amazing blessings our land would receive if many of us repeat His name incessantly all day long?

Jesus, heal our souls.

Jesus, heal our country.

Jesus, save the world.