Pastor's Corner
January 8, 2017 - Epiphany
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem…
Matthew 2:1
(The following was excerpted from a blog post at the Western Dominican Province website).
While the Christmas creche is often attributed to Saint Francis, the Feast of the Epiphany is a day associated with the Dominicans. Not only do we celebrate the revelation of Christ to all the nations (the mission of every Dominican), but one of Saint Dominic’s favorite examples of how to pray was based on that of the Magi from the East, who bowed down in homage before the Lord.
At the end of the Christmas season, Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of God to the nations. Just as the Lord invited Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar to follow a star, he invites each of us to seek him out. After finding him in his mother’s arm, we cannot help but humble ourselves and adore our Savior. Strengthened by our time in his presence, we go forth to proclaim the name of Jesus to the world.
One way to do this is by marking our doors with the traditional Epiphany blessing: the numbers of the new year and the letters C, M, B: the initials of the Magi and the phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (May Christ bless this house). For 2017, the blessing reads: 20 + C + M + B + 17. As we do so, we may offer the following prayer from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers:
“Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed Your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect Your love. Bless this house, all who inhabit it, and all who pass through these doors. May this home and this family be a light for all who are lost and afraid, a place of peace and hospitality for those in need, and a sign that You are indeed God-with-us. And when our long journey has ended, lead us all by the star of Your mercy, that we may come home to You, to the dwelling place You have prepared for us in heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”