Daily Devotional for January 1

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January 1                                                       John 16:23b-30

  The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

Today is the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, a name meaning
"Yahweh is salvation." Yahweh, my God, you are my help,
my protection in all life's situations, my salvation. In you I
feel a calm security and a safety nothing can invade. No matter
what constraints are laid upon me by the responsibilities and
cares of life, in you I have freedom and peace.

If you cannot bring me this salvation, Yahweh, then there is
no one who can, and it is foolish to expect such saving grace
from any other source. You may use human and natural means
to effect this salvation, but you, not they, are the source of
salvation for me and for all people.

In today's reading, Jesus urges us to ask you for anything in
his name, for his name is a reminder of your loving care for
us. There is so much for which I need to ask in Jesus' name.
Please help me to love others with a warm, compassionate
heart, never measuring the personal costs of time, energy, or
financial resources, but opening my heart and hands as much
as you know I can. I ask for your blessings on those for whom
I have promised to pray, those most in need, the destitute,
the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the jobless. Give your
strength especially to those who have AIDS or ARC and to their
family and friends. Since I can never totally understand the
mystery of suffering and death, help me to learn it through
acceptance. Give me the grace and faith I need to feel your
love for me. Knowing that the poor and the helpless are the
favorite objects of your grace, I pray with a confidence that
my prayers are answered.

Let me remember to say the name of Jesus many times
throughout the day. "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" will be a refrain to
ask you all these things, my God, through your Child, my
Friend and Saviour. Amen.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989