The Daily Devotional
Friday, September 12, 2025
The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Introduction
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, a day instituted in thanksgiving for God’s deliverance during the Battle of Vienna in 1683, when Christian forces, against overwhelming odds, turned back the Ottoman advance. In that moment of crisis, prayers were lifted to God and devotion to the Blessed Virgin was renewed, pointing always toward the saving name of Jesus. Psalm 27:1 reminds us that, when fear surrounds us, God Himself is our light, our salvation, and our stronghold.
Reflection
Fear is something we all know. It might not come in the form of an advancing army, but it often feels just as overwhelming—whether it’s a medical diagnosis, financial hardship, broken relationships, or the silent weight of worry.
Think of a farmer in autumn. After months of toil, storms, and uncertainty, the fields finally yield their harvest. Each season held risks—too much rain, too little sun—but the steady rhythms of nature remind us that deliverance comes in due time. In the same way, God’s faithfulness arrives right when it is needed, though not always when we expect it.
The Holy Name of Mary, like the walls of Vienna centuries ago, symbolizes how God’s people call upon His help in the hour of need. Mary always directs us to Christ, the One whose name is above every name. To whisper His name in the dark is to let in light.
Application
Today, pause and reflect: What is your Vienna? What enemy—seen or unseen—feels too great for you to withstand? It might be a looming decision, a health battle, or a quiet despair. Bring that burden to God in prayer. Speak the name of Jesus aloud. Trust that His timing, like the autumn harvest, will bring deliverance in its season.
Conclusion
The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary reminds us that God’s deliverance is never far from those who call upon Him. Just as the people of Vienna saw victory against overwhelming odds, so too can we find strength, light, and salvation in the Lord when fears threaten to overwhelm us.
Prayer
Lord Almighty, You are my light and my salvation—why should I fear? When enemies rise up, when burdens weigh me down, when shadows stretch long, remind me of Your faithfulness. As Mary bore the name that always points to Christ, let my heart also rest in the power of His holy name. Deliver me in my struggles, and bring forth the harvest of Your mercy in my life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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