January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day we remember the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Epiphany means manifestation, or revelation, and on this day Jesus Christ is revealed to us as the Savior of all of humanity. On Sunday, January 8, we celebrate the Theophany and the baptism of our Lord, and the revelation of the divinity of Jesus Christ. In remembrance of the baptism of our Lord, and the sanctification of water and God’s pledge to redeem all of creation, it is traditional to bless water on Epiphany, which may be sprinkled in our homes with prayers for God’s blessing. It is also traditional for the priest to bless chalk which is used to mark a blessing on our homes. The family gathers near the front door, after sprinkling prayers and after sprinkling the rooms of the house with holy water if desired, and draws on the lintel of the door- or near it- with the blessed chalk the year and the initials CMB, which represent the names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The initials of the wise men form an acronym for a Latin prayer, Christus mansionem benedicat, which means “Christ bless this house.” So the marking over the door looks like this for this year:
20 C+M+B 12
It is customary to keep the marking over the door until the feast of Pentecost.
Blessed Chalk and a simple rite for blessing will be available at the church for those who would like to bless their homes. Fr. Rob is also available for a fuller house blessing during the season of Epiphany for those who would desire it. Please email Fr. Rob to set up a time.
Many religious communities customarily choose a new patron saint for the year on Epiphany. This might be a practice that you and your family might consider. Choose a saint whose life and witness to God speaks to you and inspires you. Learn more about this saint throughout the year, and draw closer to Christ as you follow their example of holiness.
