name above all names (phil 2:9)
“We must give them a stern warning never to mention that Man’s name to anyone again.” —Acts 4:17
I’m attending Mass in a Church called Holy Name. This church building has a mosaic behind the altar which proclaims:
- “Ask in My Name,”
- “Holy is His Name,”
- “And thou shalt call His Name Jesus.”
A Church dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus is a fitting place in which to hear today’s readings, which continue the story from yesterday’s readings that “there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12). “In the power of that name this [man born lame] stands before you perfectly sound” (Acts 4:10).
There is more power in the Name of Jesus than in all the forces of evil combined (see e.g. Lk 10:17). Therefore, have confidence in the Name of Jesus. He promised: “Whatever You ask the Father, He will give you in My name” (Jn 16:23). The archangel Gabriel told St. Joseph to name Mary’s Child Jesus, a name which means “God saves” (see Mt 1:21). Therefore, even His name indicates Jesus’ power to save.
“Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17). May His Name be constantly in your heart and be constantly on your lips.
Prayer: Jesus, “Your name spoken is a spreading perfume” (Sg 1:3). May we always speak Your Holy Name in love, devotion, reverence, faith, and power.
Promise: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” —Mk 16:15
Praise: “God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every other name, so that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!” (Phil 2:9-11)
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 22, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.