The Feast of the Circumcision

For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names. That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

Philippians 2:9-10

Today's feast, though seemingly a strange one to commemorate, has deep roots in the Church. Not only do we remember today the Holy Family's obedience to the laws of their Jewish religion, and rejoice with Simeon at the coming of our Savior, but the Heavens and Earth resonated on this day ~ and through eternity ~ with the syllables of The Holy Name of Jesus. According to Jewish custom, the Christ Child was officially named on this day, the eighth day after His birth!

PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

(By Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.)

Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast!

Yet sweeter far Thy face to see And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,

Nor can the memory find,

A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,

The Savior of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!

O joy of all the meek!

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?

Ah! this Nor tongue nor pen can show

The love of Jesus, what it is,

None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,

As Thou our prize shalt be;

In Thee be all our glory now,

And through eternity.

Amen.