The Epiphany
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The Epiphany is the feast that celebrates the arrival of the three Magi, who came to worship the child Jesus shortly after his birth. It is traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6. However, the Church in the United States celebrates it on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8.On the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by writing the letters C, M, and B and the numbers of the year on either side —so this year it would look like“20+C+M+B+25”The letters stand for the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They also represent the Latin blessing “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this house.”The crosses stand for the four seasons.House blessing: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 inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen
