Jesus is the ‘Lord of lords’ and ‘King of kings’

By Charla Spalluto MISSE, NOLA Catholic Parenting

January is recognized by the Catholic Church as the month of the Holy Name of Jesus. In a column last summer, I encouraged a renewed reverence for the Lord’s name. Recognizing the need to make a change but being in an environment where misuse of “His Holy Name” is commonplace, some asked for suggestions on how to approach this specifically with children.   

In making a case for change, I believe that recalling the prayer that Jesus gave to us, the “Our Father,” is the best way to start.  “Hallowed be Thy Name” is not only immediately recognizable as the Lord’s Prayer, but also indisputable in its intention.

Having a family conversation where you recognize your own errors and express your desire to change is respectful and admirable.  Asking your family to surmount this challenge with you will bring hope, strength and unity.

It can be intimidating to challenge what many believe is harmless in popular culture, but making this effort together will give you courage.

Teach your children that, going forward, when you hear the Lord’s name used irreverently, even if you are catching yourself, simply say “Hallowed be Thy Name” in sincere reparation.    

There are many prayers you can say together such as the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus or the novena of the Holy Name of Jesus. A family pilgrimage can also be made to St. Dominic Church in New Orleans to see the National Shrine of Blessed John of Vercelli, founder of the Holy Name Society. There, before a relic, you can offer special prayers for reparation and intercession as well as give glory and honor to God.

Inspired by the Chaplet of the Holy Name of Jesus, I created an age-appropriate prayer service for second-grade Cub Scouts: After making an Act of Contrition, recite the Our Father on one large bead followed by “Blessed be Thy Holy Name” on each of ten small beads, and finally “Jesus is the King of Kings” on the cross; repeat three times.  The Scouts will craft the chaplet before hiking to the Blessed John of Vercelli’s national shrine for the prayer service.  Afterward, we are going to have king cake – because “Jesus is the King of Kings!”       

May all men come to know, to love and to reverence the most Holy Name of Jesus.

Charla Spalluto Misse graduated as valedictorian from Immaculata High School, earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.B.A. from The College of William & Mary. She has worked in high-level advisory positions throughout her career and is now a financial advisor where she enjoys using her analytical and planning strengths to develop specialized solutions for her clients. Charla cherishes the opportunity to directly make a positive difference in people’s lives. A native of New Orleans, Charla feels blessed to be near her family and to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of her hometown.  She supports various charitable organizations, sits on the board as officer for the LPO Volunteers, and is involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Please send comments to [email protected]. Visit our three-times-a-week blog and new podcast every other week at www.nolacatholicparenting.org.