Corpus Christi Blog

Home Blessing on the Feast of the Epiphany

01-06-2019Weekly Reflection

On the Feast of the Epiphany, it is traditional to bless the home using chalk to write above the main entrance. Here’s a suggested format for the blessing:

Leader: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

Leader: Let us praise God, who fills our hearts and homes with peace. Blessed be God forever.
All: Blessed be God forever.

Leader: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. It is Christ who enlightens our hearts and homes with his love. May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.

Reader: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God

The intercessions are then said:

Leader: The Son of God made his home among us. With thanks and praise let us call upon him.
All: Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, with Mary and Joseph you formed the Holy Family: remain in our home, that we may know you as our guest and honor you as our Head. We pray:
All: Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you had no place to lay your head, but in the spirit of poverty accepted the hospitality of your friends: grant that through our help the homeless may obtain proper housing. We pray:
All: Stay with us, Lord.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, the three kings presented their gifts to you in praise and adoration: grant that those living in this house may use their talents and abilities to your greater glory. We pray:
All: Stay with us, Lord.

The leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer.

All: Our Father, who art in Heaven…

Leader: 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.
All: Amen.

Using chalk, write 20+C+M+B+19 above the front main entrance.*

Leader: May Christ Jesus dwell with us, keep us from all harm, and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever.
All: Amen.

Leader: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

*The letters C, M, B have two meanings: the initials of the traditional names of the three magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, and they abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The + signs represent the cross and 2019 is the year.

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