Name – Lavish Mercy

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 21, 2024

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042124.cfm

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said:
“Leaders of the people and elders:
If we are being examined today
about a good deed done to a cripple,
namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know
that it was in the name of Jesus Christ …
Acts 4:8-10

The early Church understood that the miraculous grace in their lives came only through the power of Jesus. They lived in his Name.

No doubt they continually said that precious Name in prayer, remembrance, hope, and longing.

As we pray the precious Name today, let us think of how it sounded when spoken by his loving mother.

Think how brave Peter called to him in prayer.

Hear Steven say the Holy Name as he faced death.

Hear the tenderness of Mary Magdalen‘s “Rabboni”.

Listen to your own heart, and all that it means to you as you repeat the precious Name, Jesus.

Prose: from St. Bernard of Clairvaux

The sweet Name of Jesus 
produces in us holy thoughts, 
fills the soul with noble sentiments, 
strengthens virtue, begets good works, 
and nourishes pure affections. 
All spiritual food leaves the soul dry, 
if it contain not that penetrating oil, 
the Name Jesus. 
When you take your pen, write the Name Jesus: 
if you write books, 
let the Name of Jesus be contained in them, 
else they will possess no charm or attraction for me; 
you may speak, or you may reply, 
but if the Name of Jesus sounds not from your lips, 
you are without unction and without charm. 
Jesus to me is honey in the mouth, 
light in the eyes, 
a flame in our heart.