This memorial has as its origin the celebration of the naming and circumcision of Jesus (cf. Luke 2:21). If you have ever seen the “IHS” Christogram, you can thank both the Jesuits, who adopted it as their emblem in the seventeenth century, and a fifteenth century Franciscan, Saint Bernardine of Siena, who helped popularize the devotion to the Holy Name. “IHS” represents the first few letters of the name Jesus in Greek.
“The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always. When the holy name is repeated often by a humbly attentive heart, the prayer is not lost by heaping up empty phrases, (Cf. Mt 6:7.) but holds fast to the word and ‘brings forth fruit with patience’ (Cf. Luke 8:15). This prayer is possible “at all times” because it is not one occupation among others but the only occupation: that of loving God, which animates and transfigures every action in Christ Jesus” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). Try adding this to your recovery program.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (The Jesus Prayer, cf. Luke 18:13).
Reflection by Brad Farmer