Nomen Domini Iesu | The Lord Jesus

"The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17).

At Christmas, we beheld the Child Jesus in the Bethlehem manger, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Annually, we contemplate the profound mystery of our faith, the Incarnation of the Son of God. Although we meditate on these Gospel passages for so many years, Jesus Christ still remains a mystery to us. We understand Him all the more, the more strongly we believe in His holy name.

The Apostle Paul performed mighty miracles in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But those who tried to misuse this name were met with failure. For only those who possess true faith in the Son of God can penetrate the mysteries of the Lord's Holy Name. "In this way the word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power” (v. 20). Does the name of Jesus permeate your whole being? Do you grow in strength thanks to the power of the name of Jesus? Do you become like Jesus Christ for your sisters and brothers? 

In the contemporary world, as in antiquity, much confusion surrounds the Christian faith. Some people seem to play with the name of the Jesus Christ. There are also people who only call themselves Christians. Sometimes, like Apostle Paul, we have to leave such environment. Sometimes you have to go to another place so as not to perish spiritually. Some people are constantly caught up in the pursuit of material goods. Even we often succumb to the illusion of wealth and prosperity. 

The mentality of this world will always be in conflict with the mentality of Christians who decide to follow in the footsteps of the Master from Nazareth. The gods of this world are no gods for us who believe in the Lord Jesus, who is the begotten Son of God. The vanity of this world and worldly glitz are illusions that lead to disaster and misfortune. Only people who live in the name of Jesus Christ, like the Apostle Paul, can oppose these dangerous temptations.

Therefore, let us not be afraid of those who shout in the name of their idols. We, in the name of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Reflection by Józef Trzebuniak on Acts 19:11-27.

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Ex hoc pane (Jn. 6:51)

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ, Today we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, which we normally call Corpus Christi. Happy Feast Day to you all.

Corpus Christi is a day in honor of the Eucharist, a day for contemplative focus on the gift that Christ has given us. This is a special feast day, which the Church asks us to reflect on the fundamental mystery of our faith, the greatest of all the sacraments, which is Christ Himself, the Holy Eucharist.

We read in the first reading how the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Were they so hard-hearted that God tested them for more than a generation?  We’re not even 40 weeks into this pandemic here and already the signs of strain are evident.  God fed the Israelites; he gave them manna and water. He provided the sustenance they needed to continue their journey.

As we celebrate today the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, we reflect on how we are given the sustenance we need on our journey in Holy Communion. It is beyond doubt that the Eucharist abounds with layers of rich meaning. As we continue to go through this terrible global crisis, we are not able to be physically present at Mass; but we can still participate in the Mass and we can receive Spiritual Communion.  Thanks be to God!

We come to the table and bring ourselves; and God finds us just as we are.  Just as he changes the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, he can change us if we are humble enough, ready enough, open enough to receive him.

The Eucharist has all the power of issues that affects life and death. The Eucharist is celebrated by real people in the midst of everything that makes up our human existence.

No wonder the Eucharist is often described as the awesome mystery, the layers and layers of rich meaning are indeed precious gifts to us. The Eucharist makes us become, what we receive.

As Pope Francis so beautifully puts it, this is medicine for the sick and all of us need medicine for our journey.

May we today and everyday ‘revere the sacred mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood’, and may these have their full effect in us and through us.

By Father Rajesh, UK.