JESUS, IN THE NAME OF
The name of Jesus holds a central place in Christian tradition, especially in prayers and sacraments. It symbolizes authority, power, and divine presence. Invoking Jesus’ name is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and the early Church.
Prayers in the Name of Jesus
Christian prayers often begin with an invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” This formula emphasizes the unity and co-equal nature of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. When we pray, we enter into a relationship with the Triune God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His grace.
At the conclusion of many Christian prayers, the phrase “We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord” is used, following Jesus’ instruction to His disciples. In John 14:13, Jesus assures His followers, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Praying in Jesus’ name expresses our faith in His intercessory power and His role as the mediator between God and humanity.
Baptism in the Name of Jesus
Baptism, the sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, is performed using the Trinitarian formula. Jesus commanded His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). This directive highlights the importance of recognizing the full identity of God as revealed in the Christian faith.
The early Church faithfully followed this command, and the practice continues to be a vital part of Christian identity and tradition. Baptism in Jesus’ name signifies the believer’s union with Christ, marking the beginning of a new life to be lived according to His teachings and example.
Miracles and Healing in the Name of Jesus
The apostles of the early Church performed healings and miracles in the name of Jesus. For instance, Peter healed a lame man by proclaiming, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Similarly, Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl by commanding, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” (Acts 16:18). These acts of healing and deliverance demonstrated the power and authority vested in Jesus’ name.
The use of Jesus’ name in such contexts underscores the belief that Jesus is the source of divine power and that invoking His name can bring about miraculous changes. It testifies to the early Christians’ faith in Jesus’ continued presence and activity in the world through His followers.
REFLECTION
The name of Jesus represents His essence and character. When we pray in the name of Jesus, we are invoking His presence, power, and merits. This practice is an expression of our faith in His identity as the Son of God and our trust in His intercessory role. As Christians, we are called to bear the name of Christ. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. Just as the name of Jesus represents His divine authority and love, our names as His followers should represent our commitment to living according to His teachings.
Let us also be mindful of our own names, ensuring that our actions reflect the values and principles of our faith. We must strive to maintain the reputation of our names by keeping our spirituality and morality intact. This means living lives of integrity, compassion, and holiness. By doing so, we honor the name of Jesus and bear witness to His transformative power in our lives.
In a world where names and titles often carry significant weight, let us remember the unparalleled significance of the name of Jesus. It is a name that has the power to heal, save, and transform. As Christians, we are privileged to call upon this name in our prayers, sacraments, and daily lives. Let us take to heart the importance of praying in Jesus’ name, recognizing the profound connection it establishes between us and the divine.
May we always honor the name of Jesus through our words, deeds, and lives, and may we draw others to Him by the example we set. In the name of Jesus, let us commit ourselves to a life of faith, hope, and love.