Sun from Cloud…
The twelfth day of Christmas is the solemn feast of the Epiphany, January 5th. The word epiphany comes from the Greek and means “revelation,” and so we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the magi, who were gentiles and did not belong to the people of Israel.
Learn this Appalachian folk song in honor of the star that guided the magi to the Christ child. Find out if anyone you know is familiar with it and could teach it to you. (Take the time! Or check a local music store’s folk section. (If that fails, try shopping on the Internet.) The words are:
Bright mornin’ star’s arisin’
Bright mornin’ star’s arisin’
Bright mornin’ star’s arisin’
Day is breakin’ in my soul.
The daily prayer of the Orthodox churches gives us these lovely verses for the solemn feast of the Epiphany:
The magi who had been led on their way by a divine star stood before you in wonder at your marvelous birth;
And bearing gifts they see the sun who rose from the virgin cloud. Let the people who sat in darkness see shining forth the light that knows no evening,
him whom the stars once manifested to the fireworshiping Persian kings.
Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever!
Bless Your Door on Epiphany…
The gospel tells us that the magi found Christ “on entering the house.” The door to your home is a holy threshold. You can bless those who come in and go out by inscribing above the door in chalk the first two numbers of the year +C+M+B+ the last two numbers of the year. Thus “20+C+M+B+21” will appear on our doorways leading to the outside of the home this year. Tradition tells us that the letters stand for the names of the magi: Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar. Adolf Adam points out that it may also mean “Christus mansionem benedict” or “May Christ bless this home.” It is appropriate to bless your door in January – janua means “door” and the first month is the door to the new year.
After inscribing the doorways, say this prayer:
God of Bethlehem and Cana, God of Jordan’s leaping waters, in baptism you bring us into your family.
You wed us and embrace us as your beloved.
May we fill this place with kindness to one another, with hospitality to guests and with abundant care for every stranger.
By the gentle light of a star, guide home all who seek you on paths of faith, hope, and love.
Then we will join the angels in proclaiming your praise: Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen.
Then sing a Christmas Carol…like “We Three Kings”.
At all the Masses today we will be blessing chalk for you. Some of the chalk will be white chalk and some will be colored chalk depending upon your needs at your home. Please take a piece of blessed chalk home with you and inscribe your doorways with the “Epiphany Blessing.” In today’s world we need all the blessings we can get. This is an ancient tradition and a beautiful one. Take and enjoy.
From Bethlehem to Jordan
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is the last day of the Christmas season. At daily prayer this day, the Orthodox churches pray:
Let us assemble in spirit, O faithful,
at the streams of the Jordan
that we might behold
a great and mighty wonder.
We shall see the Creator of all
made manifest
as he comes to be baptized.
Let us pass, O faithful,
from Bethlehem to Jordan.
For behold, the Light
which came into the darkness there begins to overcome the night.
Find out the date of your baptism. Ask a relative, or write to the parish that baptized you. Write the date on the new calendar. Celebrate the anniversary this year by participating in the eucharist. Spend some time reflecting on your Christian mission — your part in spreading God’s love.
When Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and heard a heavenly voice say, “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Listen for this voice today whenever you “come out of the water” — the shower, the snow or rain, the swimming pool, the sudsy kitchen sink. Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever! Alleluia! Amen!
I’ll see you in church...in person or livestream.
Monsignor Jack
0822