Homily for Memorial of Holy Name of Jesus

Homily for the Memorial of the
Holy Name of Jesus
Wednesday after Jan. 1

Jan. 3, 2024
John 1: 29-34
Provincial House, N.R.

John Pointing Out Christ

(Master of St. John Altarpiece)

As we celebrate today the holy name of Jesus, the gospel account of the Baptist’s presentation of Jesus opens with an indirect allusion to his name.  Jesus means “YHWH saves, and John indicates that he takes away our sins.  John goes further, indicating that this salvation comes thru sacrifice:  Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

John the Evangelist doesn’t report Jesus’ baptism.  He implies it, however, when the Baptist testifies to the Spirit’s descent upon Jesus (1:32), so that Jesus will be able to bestow the Holy Spirit (1:33).  This is another testimony to Jesus as Savior.

Finally, John testifies that Jesus “is the Son of God” (1:34):  another holy name of Jesus.  He is Lamb, he is Spirit-giver, he is God’s Son.  Our acceptance of him, as the evangelist says in his prolog, gives us power to become God’s children (1:12)—to be saved by Jesus.  For this we are grateful.  We celebrate Eucharist, thanks to God.