Episode 2863: The Sweet Name of Jesus - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
"The Sweet Name of Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Passover Sacrifice"
Welcome back to our traditional Catholic podcast, where we delve into the timeless truths of the faith handed down through the ages. Today, we explore two profound themes: the power of the Holy Name of Jesus and the depth of the Passover sacrifice as fulfilled in Christ. These reflections invite us to deepen our devotion to Jesus and to understand more fully the meaning of the Eucharist in the light of salvation history.

Segment 1: The Power of the Name of Jesus
We begin with the beautiful words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux:
“The sweet Name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, begets good works, and nourishes pure affection. All spiritual food leaves the soul dry if it contain not that penetrating oil, the Name Jesus.”
The Name of Jesus is not just a name; it is a source of grace. In the Gospel, we see the Name of Jesus proclaimed as the only Name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is a name that comforts, strengthens, and transforms. St. Bernard reminds us that every prayer, every act of devotion, every work of charity, is given its power and efficacy through the invocation of this Holy Name.
For traditional Catholics, the Name of Jesus is central to our lives. The Litany of the Holy Name and the devotions of January, the month dedicated to this name, call us to meditate on its sweetness and power. We should make it a habit to invoke the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the day, especially when tempted, distressed, or in need of guidance.
Segment 2: The Fulfillment of the Passover Sacrifice
Moving to the insights of Brant Pitre, we reflect on the fourth step of the Passover sacrifice, which often goes overlooked: the eating of the lamb. As Pitre writes:
“The Passover sacrifice was not completed by the death of the lamb, but by eating its flesh. Five times the Bible states that they must ‘eat’ the lamb...by a ‘communion’ of sorts by eating the flesh of the sacrifice that had been killed on your behalf.”
This is a profound prefiguration of the Eucharist. The Passover in the Old Testament required the Israelites to not only sacrifice the lamb but to eat it. Without this act of communion, the sacrifice remained incomplete. Likewise, Jesus, the Lamb of God, instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper to fulfill the Passover sacrifice in Himself.
When we approach the altar to receive Holy Communion, we do not merely commemorate Christ’s sacrifice; we partake in it. We consume the Lamb of God, whose Body and Blood nourish our souls and unite us to His redemptive act. St. Paul reminds us of this truth in

1 Corinthians 10:16:
"The chalice of benediction, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread, which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord?"
In the Traditional Latin Mass, this truth is emphasized in the prayers of the Canon, which highlight the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. The priest, acting in persona Christi, offers the Lamb to the Father, and we, the faithful, complete the sacrifice by receiving the Lamb in Holy Communion.
Segment 3: Living in the Light of These Truths
The sweet Name of Jesus and the Eucharistic fulfillment of the Passover both point to the profound intimacy Christ desires with us. St. Bernard’s words challenge us to make the Name of Jesus our constant refuge, while Pitre’s reflections remind us of the transformative power of the Eucharist.
These truths invite us to examine our own devotion. Do we call upon the Holy Name of Jesus in moments of trial? Do we prepare our hearts for Holy Communion with reverence and love? St. Alphonsus Liguori reminds us:

“To receive Communion worthily, we must go to confession and cleanse our hearts from sin, for the Eucharist is not only a gift of love but also a sign of unity with Christ and His Church.”
Conclusion and Prayer
Let us conclude this episode with a prayer inspired by the Holy Name of Jesus and the mystery of the Eucharist:
Prayer:
O most sweet and holy Name of Jesus, we adore and bless You. Your Name is our strength in temptation, our solace in sorrow, and our joy in times of peace. May we always speak Your Name with love and reverence, and may it ever be on our lips and in our hearts.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, in which You fulfill the ancient Passover sacrifice and unite us to Your saving work. Grant that we may approach the altar with pure hearts and leave transformed by Your grace.
Through the intercession of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and all Your holy saints, may we live lives worthy of the Name we bear and the Sacrament we receive.
In Your holy and powerful Name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of reflection and devotion. Until next time, may the Holy Name of Jesus guide and protect you in all things.