Epiphany of the Lord

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is when we remember the journey of the “Magi” to Bethlehem. The traditional date of Epiphany is January 6, and a customary time for the *blessing of homes. The Feast of the Epiphany is a moveable feast, and in 2023 is celebrated on Sunday, January 8th. Families would often invite their parish priest to visit their homes; the priest would “chalk” the lintel of the main door to the house. A parent or grandparent may also lead the blessing. Using a piece of chalk (usually blessed for the occasion), the leader writes the following across the top of the door:  20 + C + M + B + 23. The numbers give the date of the New Year during which the family asks God’s blessing upon their home and all who enter it. C, M and B are the first letters of the names that tradition gives to the Three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The letters can also signify the Latin phrase:  Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.”  The four crosses signify the four seasons of the year and the four points of a compass –“all nations”.

Gather all by the front door.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Sign of the Cross)

All: Amen.

Leader: Peace be with this house and with all who live here. Blessed be God forever.

All: Blessed be God forever!

Leader: As the words of the Gospel of John are proclaimed, let us consecrate this door and the space it protects, and all the doors herein, to Christ who is the sheepgate.

[As the Gospel below is slowly proclaimed from the family Bible, use the chalk to inscribe “20 + C + M + B + 23” on the lintel/frame of the front door.]

Reader: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John. (1:1-3, 14). In the beginning was the Word, (inscribe 2) and the Word was with God, (inscribe 0) and the Word was God. (inscribe +) He was in the beginning with God. (inscribe C) All things came to be through Him, (inscribe +) and without Him nothing came to be. (inscribe M) And the Word became flesh (inscribe +) and made his dwelling among us, (inscribe B) and we saw His glory, (inscribe +) the glory as of the Father’s only Son, (inscribe 2) full of grace and truth. (inscribe 3). The Word of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. (Sign of the Cross)

*Click the link for an extended version of the blessing.

Shelley Gould
Parishioner