In 1274, the Church gave the Dominican blessed John of Vercelli a special commission to promote reverence for the Name of Jesus. Promoted by 15th-century Franciscan saints like Bernadine of Siena and John of Capistrano, devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus became a fixture of Catholic piety. A liturgical feast to honor the Name began to appear in certain places. Pope Innocent XIII universalized this practice in 1721, authorizing the composition of a Mass and Office that includes the hymn Jesu, dulcis memoria. Christians still sing these words because they believe that nothing more sweet can be imagined than the incarnate Son of God: “The sweet memory of you, Jesus, gives true joy to our hearts.”
Praying the Holy Name captures the “sweet memory” of Jesus. Like the Lord himself, his name remains a gift given to the Church. The grace is available to every Christian. Sinful Christians however enjoy a special purchase on this undeserved gift. Why? Our sinful movements afford us more opportunities to turn to Jesus, to say his Name, and to find there deliverance from sin itself. This exercise is not burdensome. In fact, those who seek refuge in the Name of Jesus at moments of strong temptation will discover a remarkable reversal of their status. All the dispositions that would have brought them sadness become in Christ opportunities to discover joy.
Jesu, dulcis memoria.
©Magnificat January 2004
