The Epiphany of the Lord
Blessing of Homes on the Epiphany:
This weekend, the Feast of the Epiphany, there will be blessed chalk to be used in blessing our homes. In this ancient tradition, the chalk is used to trace the year and the initials of the Three Wise Men over the doorway: 20 + C + M + B + 12. Legend names the kings Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The initials were long ago interpreted as "Christus Mansionem Benedictat"— "May Christ bless this house." The chalk and the house blessing will be distributed at all the Masses.
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee..”
~ St. Augustine
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"Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD."
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