The Name of Jesus

4/10/2016

Step #1: Lectio / read

When the captain and the court officers had brought the apostles in
and made them stand before the Sanhedrin,
the high priest questioned them,
“We gave you strict orders, did we not,
to stop teaching in that name?
Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching
and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
But Peter and the apostles said in reply,
“We must obey God rather than men.
The God of our ancestors raised Jesus,
though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior
to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.
We are witnesses of these things,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles
to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.
So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they had been found worthy
to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41

Step #2: Meditatio / meditation

The apostles have seen the wonderful signs and wonders the Lord Jesus has done after His resurrection. But, more than being witnesses of these marvelous signs, they were also witnesses to the transforming love of Jesus who forgave these men whom he called his friends for their inability to love Him from the time of his arrest to the time He died. Except for one, all of them disappeared and abandoned their suffering friend.

After the resurrection, still afraid of being Jesus' friend, they were hiding and Jesus came to them and greeted them with His peace, breathed the Holy Spirit on them and showed them His wounds. He followed them in the shore, cooked them breakfast and showed them His love despite their betrayal.

These personal encounters with the risen Jesus transformed the lives of the apostles and enabled them to love Jesus even amidst difficult situations. They began proclaiming His love and His message of mercy and healing with boldness that even after imprisonment and after being flogged, they rejoice in being able to proclaim the name of Jesus. The same Jesus forgives our sins and show us mercy every time we approach His throne of mercy in confession. The same Jesus prepares the meal for us to receive His very Body every time we go to Mass.

May these personal encounters with the merciful love transform us to honor, love, defend and be bold proclaimers of the most holy and awesome name of Jesus.

step #3: oratio / pray

"So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they had been found worthy
to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name."

Does Jesus' mercy and forgiveness in confession transforms me to love Him in return?
Is Jesus' Eucharistic presence that I receive at every Mass enabling me love?
Do I love Jesus enough not to disrespect His most holy Name?
Can I proclaim the name of Jesus and His good news boldly amidst ungodly culture?

Step #4: contemplatio / contemplation

Lord Jesus, transform me into a lover of you and your Name.

Lord Jesus, may I love and proclaim you amidst trials and difficulties.

Lord Jesus, may I rejoice always in you and feel honored to suffer with you and for love of you.

the rest of your day...

When difficulty and temptation comes today, just utter the Name of Jesus and be at peace.

Today's prayer was prepared by Fr. Caliente.

CARPE VERBUM