Twenty-fourth Sunday Ordinary Time / Most Holy Name of Mary
September 12, 2021 •
What does it mean that Her name is holy and that we can call upon Her by using Her holy name?
We heard in Mark's Gospel today, Jesus asks the Apostles, "Who do people say that I am?" He is basically asking: what do people think my Name is? ... Jesus asks them, "What do you men think is my name?" And Peter, speaking up on behalf of the Apostles says. "You are the Christ." For two thousand years, Christians have always called Him Jesus Christ.
Jesus is clearly revealing Himself to these men. He wants them to know who He is, and He goes on Mark tells us, to explain what it is to be the Christ. ...
If we go back to Genesis, what is the first thing Adam did after God named him? Adam named all the animals. God allowed Adam to do this because when you name a thing, you have power over that thing. You have authority over it.
When God reveals His name to us - His children - He is giving us power over Him. He says, now you can call out to Me by name, and I will answer you. That's the beauty of knowing someone's name.
This is most true with Jesus, but it's also so true with Mary. Jesus has given Her to us as our Mother. She has many names, but most uniquely She is: Mary. She is the Mother of God. She is the Immaculate Conception. These are Her three most powerful names.
When you call upon the Holy Name of Mary, two things happen. She comes to you. And the demons tremble in fear.
Is 50:4c-9a; Ps 116:1-6, 8-9; Jas 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35
Homily begins at 19:08. You may watch the celebration Mass and rosary procession in their entirety on our Youtube channel.