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Jan
17
Written by:
Fr. Gary Zerr
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Litany of the Holy Name
Pastor’s Column
2nd Sunday Ordinary Time
January 17, 2010
When I go to the movies, one of things that always bothers me is how many times God’s name is taken in vain, and I hope it bothers you as well. I cringe when I hear the name of the Lord, who wishes us to love him, used as a curse word (not to mention that it breaks the 2nd commandment). For example, recently I went to the movie Avatar and counted 5 of them, which is low by modern movie standards! How many people hear this kind of language, over and over again, and think there is nothing wrong with it! So what can we do about it?
Well, for starters, if there is anything wrong with your own language, you can repent of it. If you find you have fallen into this sin again out of anger or frustration, you can say a prayer to the Lord asking his forgiveness as soon as you have recovered your composure, and ask him to assist you in breaking this terrible habit. If you are around others who use the Lord’s name as a curse word, or hear it in the media or at school, you can do a small act of reparation, right on the spot. Say a Hail Mary to yourself, or close your eyes for a moment and beat your breast. That’s what I do.
At one time it seemed like almost every parish had a “Holy Name Society.” Members of this society would always bow their heads whenever the name of Jesus was mentioned out loud (many still try to follow this custom, including your pastor). The church has recently reintroduced the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 3). Why not enroll yourself in a personal “Holy Name Society” and get busy making a difference in a world where too many couldn’t care less if the Lord’s name were taken in vain?
On the other side of this column is the Litany of the Holy Name. This beautiful litany can be said whenever you wish as a beautiful and very biblical prayer that offers reparation to the Holy Name of Jesus. When you pray this litany, notice that nearly every major biblical title of the Lord is used. As we pray, this litany teaches us about Christ! Each of these beautiful titles of Christ is a lesson in and of themselves.
The way we pray forms us and changes us. Praying these titles of Christ slowly allows Christ to reveal himself to us in ways that we perhaps have never thought of before. Which of them will be the most powerful for you? Find one that particularly speaks to your heart and let the picture form itself in your heart as you pray.
Keep this litany handy. You may find it comes in handy when you want to make a difference, or allow Christ to make a difference in your life.
Father Gary
Litany of the Holy Name
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
After each of these titles, say LORD HAVE MERCY
God our Father in Heaven
God the Son, Redeemer of the world
God the Holy Spirit
Holy Trinity, one God
Jesus, Son of the living God
Jesus, splendor of the Father
Jesus, brightness of everlasting light
Jesus, King of glory
Jesus, dawn of justice
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary
Jesus, worthy of our love
Jesus, worthy of our wonder
Jesus, mighty God
Jesus, Father of the world to come
Jesus, prince of peace
Jesus, all-powerful
Jesus, pattern of patience
Jesus, model of obedience
Jesus, gentle and humble of heart
Jesus, lover of chastity
Jesus, lover of us all
Jesus, God of peace
Jesus, author of life
Jesus, model of goodness
Jesus, seeker of souls
Jesus, our God
Jesus, our refuge
Jesus, father of the poor
Jesus, treasure of the faithful
Jesus, Good Shepherd
Jesus, the true light
Jesus, eternal wisdom
Jesus, infinite goodness
Jesus, our way and our life
Jesus, joy of angels
Jesus, king of the patriarchs.
Jesus, teacher of the Apostles
Jesus, master of evangelists
Jesus, courage of martyrs
Jesus, light of confessors
Jesus, purity of virgins
Jesus, crown of all saints.
After each verse, say JESUS SAVE YOUR PEOPLE
Lord, be merciful
From all evil
From every sin
From the snares of the devil
From your anger
From the spirit of infidelity
From everlasting death
From the neglect of your Holy Spirit
By the mystery of your incarnation
By your birth
By your childhood
By your hidden life
By your public ministry
By your agony and crucifixion
By your abandonment
By your grief and sorrow
By your death and burial
By your rising to new life
By your return in glory to the Father
By your gift of the holy Eucharist
By your joy and glory
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer
Let us pray.
Lord, may we who honor the holy name of Jesus enjoy his friendship in this life and be filled with eternal joy in the kingdom where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
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