Embers January 2025

Our theme for January of 2026 is Miracles Through the Holy Name of Jesus as we contemplate all the miracles performed by Jesus while on earth and all those since his Ascension, performed in his name. The feast of The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Jan. 3) reminds us to speak his name with deep respect, yet how often do people casually take his name in vain? If done in your presence, we suggest responding “Jesus, help me!” or “To God alone be glory!” We recommend The Wonders of the Holy Name by Fr. Paul Sullivan, O.P.

St. Bernadine of Siena promoted devotion to Jesus’ Holy Name by creating the monogram IHS and composing this short prayer: 

Jesus, name full of glory, grace, love and strength! You are the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who mourn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith, the wages of those who toil, the healing of the sick. To you our devotion aspires; by you our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating you. O Name of Jesus, you are the glory of all the saints for eternity. Amen.

This painting by an unknown artist depicts Jesus’ last great miracle, the raising of Lazarus after four days in the tomb. If people, including Jewish leaders, did not believe in him after this incredible miracle, nothing would convince them. How often do we offer to pray with patients or call on a favorite saint to intercede for a family member or sick patient? 

We do just that on our monthly CMA ZOOM Prayer Group which will meet Saturday, January 10 at 2:00 PM EST. Come join us and bring your intentions.

St. André Bessette of Montreal (Jan. 6) was illiterate and in poor health when he entered the Holy Cross Brothers, so for forty years he answered the door. Thousands of miracles were attributed to his prayers as he told people, “Go to Joseph. He will help you. Come, we will pray together.” Read here how he built St. Joseph’s Oratory, visited by 2 million people each year.

The Conversion of St. Paul (Jan. 25) recalls Saul, zealous in defending the Jewish laws, blinded by the light of Christ on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians. When Saul asked whose voice this was, the response came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5b) Every Biblical figure given a great mission in the Bible is renamed by God and so he became Paul. However, St. Paul spent a few years learning from the Apostles before he went out into the world preaching. This reminds us to regularly read classical spiritual books to be a missionary to others. Ascension Press has a classical audio book series we recommend.

St. Thomas Aquinas (Jan. 28), known as the Angelic Doctor, was born of a wealthy family in 1225 and was ordained a priest of the Order of Preachers. A brilliant lecturer and philosopher, he wrote extensively on the mind of man and the mind of God in The Summa Theologica. He composed many of the hymns associated with the mystery of the Eucharist, such as Salutaris Hostia. We recommend Peter Kreeft’s (ed.) A Summa of the Summa.

Lastly, some additional reading includes Dilexi Te, Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation, and Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians by Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina. 

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