Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 519 – Part VI.

YOUCAT Question n. 519 - Part VI. What does it mean to say, “Hallowed be thy name”?

(Youcat answer repeated) To “hallow” or to treat God’s name as something holy means to place him above everything else.   

A deepening through CCC

 (CCC 2814 b)  We ask then that, just as the name of God is holy, so we may obtain his holiness in our souls (St. Peter Chrysologus, Sermo 71, 4: PL 52:402A; cf. Rom 2:24; Ezek 36:20-22). When we say "hallowed be thy name," we ask that it should be hallowed in us, who are in him; but also in others whom God's grace still awaits, that we may obey the precept that obliges us to pray for everyone, even our enemies. That is why we do not say expressly "hallowed be thy name 'in us,"' for we ask that it be so in all men (Tertullian, De orat. 3: PL 1:1157A).

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) A “name” in Sacred Scripture indicates the true nature of a person. To hallow God’s name means to do justice to his reality, to acknowledge him, to praise him, to give him due honor, and to live according to his commandments.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2815) This petition embodies all the others. Like the six petitions that follow, it is fulfilled by the prayer of Christ. Prayer to our Father is our prayer, if it is prayed in the name of Jesus (Cf. Jn 14:13; 15:16; 16:24, 26). In his priestly prayer, Jesus asks: "Holy Father, protect in your name those whom you have given me" (Jn 17:11).     

(The next question is: What does it mean to say, “Thy kingdom come”?)