Using Holy Names in vain, an epidemic in this country?

[Krisann1]

We have become casual with the various Holy Names of God in this country. Names which should only be used with reverence or in prayer are tossed around in phrases of surprise, disgust and anger. No doubt, everyone reading this can think of an example. I often hear Catholics and other Christians using phrases like the ever popular “Oh my _____” and even using our Lord’s name like a swear word! Why do people think this is ok? Please join me in my campaine to gently correct people when they use these phrases (of course there will be times when doing this is not possible or appropriate given a particular situation). Some people are not open to correction and say there’s nothing wrong with it. These are times when I pray for the person, apologize silently for them to our Lord or make the sign of the cross. How do we turn back the clock on this tidal wave epidemic that has swept over our country?

 

[fide]

Your desire is a beautiful one, but this rejection of God has a long history that brought us to this place today, and the momentum is definitely on their (not our) side. No one can turn back the clock, but we can affect the present and the future by living life with reverence for the name of God, and devotion to His holy will in all things. We may have zero impact on most people, but maybe a few will note that we do not speak that way, but rather give honor to God and to His Truth in all ways. For those few we can be grateful!

When I was a public school teacher, high school, I made it a point to never let a student speak that way, with the careless automatic “Oh my _______!”, without saying something. But I would usually say something like, with a smile, “Oh that is beautiful that you want to pray to God - but I’m sorry, this is a public school and we cannot pray in public here. But please - do pray! But here in school, pray silently please.” That would always get a surprised smile from them, but it also made my point, which they understood.

 

[Krisann1]

Thank you, your words ring true. It’s nice to hear from someone who feels the same way. I often feel I’m alone in this uphill battle. I do believe that most people are well meaning and truely never stop to think about the power of the words they are speaking. But if no one ever says anything to them, what are the chances that our society will point it out? Just about zero.

I currently work in a public school. I work one-on-one with children and have found them to be quite receptive and respectful about not using God’s name in vain when I ask them to please not use God’s name in that way. I keep it short and sweet and have had good success with them. I figure if this present generation is too far gone in this respect, then I can help teach the new generation of kiddos proper respect for God’s name. Peace and blessings

 

[Bill_B_NY]

Beautiful and good thoughts - thank you. I fully agree. I just heard such an abuse of Our Lord’s Holy Name, just today in a video and it hurt. Making the sign of the Cross is a wonderful practice at those moments. People will stop and wonder.
Yes, it is a tidal wave. The less reverence people have for God, the more they abuse His Name and treat him with contempt. We can teach the younger generation - I am glad you are doing it.

 

[Krisann1]

Yes, it does hurt, doesn’t it. Especially when you knows there’s so little you can do about it and it’s apt to get worse before it gets better. So we will do what we can do on our part and take the rest to prayer!

 

[Mythicalbio]

Mary of Saint Peter - Wikipedia

From the article: On March 16, 1844 Jesus reportedly told Sr. Marie: “Oh if you only knew what great merit you acquire by saying even once, Admirable is the Name of God, in a spirit of reparation for blasphemy.”

Sister Mary stated that Jesus told her that the two sins which offend Him the most grievously are blasphemy and the profanation of Sunday. He called this prayer the “Golden Arrow”, saying that those who would recite it would pierce Him delightfully, and also heal those other wounds inflicted on Him by the malice of sinners. Sr. Mary of St. Peter saw, "streaming from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, delightfully wounded by this ‘Golden Arrow,’ torrents of graces for the conversion of sinners.

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The prayer:
May the most holy, most sacred,
most adorable, most mysterious,
and unutterable Name of God
be always praised, blessed,
loved, adored and glorified,
in heaven, on earth and under the earth,
by all the creatures of God,
and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ
in the most holy Sacrament of the altar.

As mentioned above, saying Admirable is the Name of God is good. I have also heard it said to say at least “Blessed be God” when you hear a blasphemy.

It is a small act of friendship in a world of hate. Our Lord could use a friend.