The Epiphany of the Lord is traditionally celebrated the twelfth day after Christmas, on January 6.
It is a custom for parish priests to bless chalk for each family so that they may mark the names of the three Magi over their doors, in the blessing of homes as a witness of their faith and protection against evil. The initials of the Magi (C M B) are inscribed upon the lintel above the main door or doors of the home with the blessed chalk: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. The initials, C, M, B, can also be interpreted as the Latin phrase "
Christus mansionem benedicat" which means "Christ bless this house."
20 + C + M + B + 21
Blessed chalk and prayer sheets are available this week outside the rectory door, located on the north end of the parish.
A Blessing of the Home on Epiphany
Leader: Let us pray together.
All: Peace be to this house and to all who live, work, and visit here.
L: The three wise men came to Bethlehem in search of the Lord. They brought to him precious gifts: gold to honor the newborn king, incense to the true God in human form, and myrrh to anoint his body, which one day would die like our own.
L: Let us pray. O God, you once used a star to show to the entire world that Jesus is your Son. May the light of that star that once guided wise men to honor his birth, now guide us to recognize him also, to know you by faith, and to see you in the epiphanies of the daily experiences of our lives. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord -- Jesus born of Mary -- shall be revealed.
All: And all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. As the Wise Men once sought your brilliant light, O Lord, so may we seek to live and work in your splendor.
L: O God of Light, bless our house and our family. May this be a place of peace and health. May each member of this family cultivate the gifts and graces you have bestowed, dedicating our talents and works for the good of all. Make this house a shelter in the storm and a haven of rest for all in need of your warmth and care. And when we go out from this place, may we never lose sight of that Epiphany star.
All: As we go about our work, our study, our play, keep us in its light and in your love.
[Using the chalk, mark the lintel above the exterior or interior doorway(s) to the home with these symbols]
20 + C + M + B + 21
L: May we, in this house, and all who come to visit, to work, and to play, remember these things throughout the coming year. May all who come and go here find peace, comfort, joy, hope, love, and salvation, for Christ has come to dwell in this house and in these hearts.