Celebrate the Epiphany

This year, the last Sunday of the Christmas season is a well-known feast celebrated as Christmas in some countries. January 8, Epiphany, (actual date of the feast is January 6) the visit of the Magi to the place where Jesus was born is a sign of Jesus’ coming to save all people. It is a feast of wonder and revelation. God has come to live with us in our ordinary lives. One custom displaying this belief is to bless our homes and mark the initials of the “kings” and numerals of the year over our doorways. You may use this house blessing to mark the entry door of your home. Baskets of chalk will be in the entryways if you wish to celebrate Epiphany this way.
 
Epiphany Blessing of Entry Doors
 Lord God, by the guidance of a star you led the magi to your Son,
and by the light of faith you bring us to know Jesus as our Savior.
May all family, friends and strangers who enter here rejoice to find Christ living with us.
May they find hospitality and gentleness in the home you have provided for us.
 
(mark with initials and year)    20  +  B  +  C  +  M  +  17
 
Bless our home and all who gather here. Fill them with the warmth of the light of Christ.
 
Amen

A few thoughts to meditate on:

When did I have an epiphany—a revelation of Christ born in me? The child seen with our eyes must be recognized as our Savior—an “aha! moment” when the Christ child is made known to us.
 
When have I made that difficult journey, allowing God to direct my steps as the Magi did by the light of the heavenly Star? In Italy, there is a legendary figure named Befana who wanted to join the Magi in their search for Jesus, but lost her courage. She went from house to house finding Jesus in everyone she met, leaving small gifts and surprises. Today might include a visit to friends, children, or elderly neighbors. Bring small treats or just surprise them with your visit.
 
New members of the Church to remember today:
Just as Lent is a time when catechumens were prepared for baptism at the Easter Vigil, there is evidence that Advent was a time of preparation too, when catechumens were baptized on Epiphany. How fitting that they would recognize and profess Jesus as the Savior for all people. Today, at 9:00 Mass we welcomed Tom Jaeger, Andrew Buchanan, and Nicholas Pierce into full Initiation with the Catholic Church. At the Rite of Acceptance for these candidates we promised to welcome them into our prayers, our faith, and our homes. Let us fulfill our promise to them as they enter a period of mystagogia, a time to reflect and absorb more deeply their experience as new members of the faith.