Today is January 3, Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus on the Roman Catholic calendar. I love to read about the commemorative and feast days, and the lives of the Saints. We Protestants (I’m Lutheran) have lost a lot of our history. Most ordinary people didn’t read or have books, they surely didn’t have TV or internet for most of history, or CNN or Fox to opine, but they had festivals and feast days to remember, reflect and celebrate. Today I read this lovely piece by Richard Rolle, a 14th century hermit. Seems like an easy prayer to remember in these tough times. Who doesn’t need a little more joy or something to chase the devil.
"If you will be well with God, and have grace to rule your life, and come to the joy of love: this name Jesus, fasten it so fast in your heart that it come never out of your thought. And when you speak to him, and through custom say, “Jesus,” it shall be in your ear, joy; in your mouth; honey; and in your heart, melody: for men shall think joy to hear that name be named, sweetness to speak it, mirth, and song to think it.
If you think the name “Jesus” continually, and hold it firmly, it purges your sin, and kindles your heart; it clarifies your soul, it removes anger and does away slowness. It wounds in love and fulfills charity.
It chases the devil, and puts out dread. It opens heaven, and makes a contemplative man. Have Jesus in mind, for that puts all vices and phantoms out from the lover." (Richard Rolle, English hermit, 14th century.)
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