Episode 2851: The Power and Authority in the 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.”
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The Power and Authority in the Name of Jesus
Tonight we reflect on the extraordinary power of the Holy Name of Jesus. As Catholics, we understand that this name is not just a word it is a source of grace, a weapon against evil, and a call to act in union with Christ.
We’ll explore the wisdom of Bl. John Henry Newman and the teachings of the Church on the authority vested in the name of Jesus. We’ll also draw inspiration from Scripture, particularly Colossians 3:17 and Luke 9:1, to deepen our appreciation of what it means to live and act in His name.
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Part 1: The Name of Jesus as Grace and Beauty
Bl. John Henry Newman once said:
"To holy people, the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living."
This profound statement reminds us that the name of Jesus is not merely a label but a channel of grace. The saints have long understood that invoking His name brings comfort to the sorrowful, strength to the weak, and transformation to the sinner.
Consider the beauty of this truth in our daily lives. How often do we turn to the name of Jesus in moments of temptation or trial? His name has the power to sanctify our thoughts, elevate our souls, and draw us closer to the divine.
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Part 2: Acting in the Name of Jesus
In the time of Jesus, and even today, to do something "in the name of" another signifies acting on their behalf, with their full authority. This teaching is particularly profound in the Christian life, as highlighted by St. Paul in Colossians 3:17:
"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
When we perform acts of charity, evangelize, or even offer simple prayers, we do so in the name of Jesus. This means that we are not acting alone but are united with Christ, allowing Him to work through us.
This union is especially evident in the ministry of the Church, such as the sacramental life and the practice of exorcism. As Stephen J. Rossetti explains:
"The exorcist has no authority over demons except that which the Lord Himself gives through the delegation of the bishop. When the demons hear the exorcist invoke the name of Jesus, they are directly confronted with the power and authority of Jesus Himself. Against Him, they are no match."
This reality underscores the immense power of Jesus' name. It is a name that commands authority in heaven and on earth, against which no evil can prevail.
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Part 3: Jesus’ Authority Given to Us
In Luke 9:1, we read:
"He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons."
This delegation of authority continues in the Church today, particularly in her ordained ministers, who act in persona Christi. However, as baptized Christians, we are all called to participate in Christ's mission. While our authority may not be the same as that given to an exorcist or a bishop, we are empowered to invoke the name of Jesus in our prayers, our witness, and our daily struggles against sin and evil.
By calling on His name, we invite His presence into our lives. The name of Jesus is not simply a word to be spoken it is a declaration of faith and a proclamation of His kingship over our hearts and the world.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us conclude this episode with a prayer to honor the Holy Name of Jesus and ask for the grace to live and act in His name:
Heavenly Father,
We praise and glorify the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the name above every other name. Through His name, we have received salvation, grace, and the promise of eternal life.
Grant us the courage to call upon His name in every trial, the humility to serve in His name, and the faith to trust in His power. May His name be ever on our lips and in our hearts, transforming us into true witnesses of His love and mercy.
We ask this through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Thank you for joining us tonight. May the Holy Name of Jesus inspire and strengthen you in your journey of faith. Until next time, go forth in His name, giving glory to God in all you do.