This indeed is that most Holy Name which was so desired by the patriarchs of old; so anxiously longed for; so long awaited with so much suffering; so much invoked with so many sighs; so begged for with so many tears; but then mercifully given in the time of grace.
Hide, I plead, the name of power! May the name of vengeance not be heard! May the name of justice be held back! Give us the name of mercy! May the Name of Jesus resound in my ears! For then truly, O Lord, "Sweet is your voice, and beautiful your face."
Great therefore is the Name of Jesus, the foundation of our faith, making us children of God. For the faith of the Catholic religion consists in bringing us the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his light. He is is the light of the soul, the door to life, the foundation of eternal salvation.
If a man has not this light or has left it, he walks through the darkness of the night as one without light; as one rushing among dangers with eyes closed. However bright may be the excellence of his intellect, he is following a blind guide in seeking to understand the heavenly mysteries with only his own understanding; or in trying to build a house, yet neglecting the foundation; or wanting to enter through the roof, yet forgetting the door.
For this foundation, this light and this door is Jesus, who, to show himself as the Way to those who had gone astray, brought to all that light of the faith by which the unknown God can be sought; and, sought, can be believed; and, believed, can be found.
O glorious name, O gracious name, O lovable and virtuous name! Through you crimes are forgiven. Through you enemies are defeated. Through you the weak are set free. Through you the suffering are comforted and cheered. You are the honor of believers. You are the teacher of preachers. You are the strengthener of those who work. You are the sustainer of those who weaken.
Thanks to your heart's burning fervor and warmth, desires are enkindled; petitions are made; and souls are intoxicated.
Through you are glorified also all those triumphing in heavenly glory. With them, O most sweet Jesus, make us reign, by this your most holy Name.
From
A Sermon Of St. Bernadine Of Siena