Dear Friends,
I want to say thank you to everyone who sent me Christmas cards and to everyone who gave me cookies and other gifts. You are all so kind, thoughtful, and generous. I am deeply appreciative of how you remembered me this Christmas. Thank you!
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, sometimes known as “Little Christmas,” we remember the Magi coming from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, gifts that spoke of Christ's kingship, His divinity, and His eventual Passion and Death. I share with you the text for the Epiphany house blessing, which was provided to you last year:
All make the Sign of the Cross.
Leader: “Peace be to this house and to all who dwell here, in the name of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Reader: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God
Using chalk, write on the outside of your house or inside above the front main entrance,
above or next to an entrance:
20+C+M+B+21
All: Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who live here and all who visit. May we be blessed with health, kindness of heart, gentleness and the keeping of your law. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our love for each other may go out to all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Note: C+M+B refers to Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house,” and those letters also refer to the names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar
We are saints under construction, following the example of the Magi by paying homage to the newborn King, Jesus Christ. Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt