Epiphany

EXPLANATION OF EPIPHANY
The Catholic home is called "the domestic church". The celebration of the feasts of the Liturgical Year in the home is what best connects altar to home. By corresponding the decoration of the home altar and evening meal table with the liturgical appointments of the altar in the parish church, as well as the prayerful celebration of the feasts of the Liturgical Year in our homes, we are doing what is essential to inculcate a deep understanding and love of the Faith in our children. If home does not reflect the altar, it will never succeed in forming saintly children.

"For people are instructed in the truths of faith and brought to appreciate the inner joys of religion far more effectually by the annual celebration of our sacred mysteries than by any official pronouncement of the teaching of the Church. Such pronouncements usually reach only a few and the more learned among the faithful: feasts reach them all. The Church's teaching affects the mind primarily: her feasts affect both mind and heart, and have a salutary effect upon the whole man's nature." (Pius X1, Quas Primas)

The Feast of Epiphany is the completion of Christmas and the climax of the Christmas cycle. It is the fulfillment of all our desires expressed during Advent. "Come, Lord Jesus, Come!" On Epiphany, Jesus does indeed manifest Himself to all men - not only Jew, but Gentile as well. HE is come!

Christmas is the intimate family feast of the Catholic Church. Epiphany is the world-feast of the Catholic Church. At Christmas God appears as man. At. Epiphany this man - Christ - appears to the world as God. Christmas is the feast of God's manifestation of Himself as man. Epiphany is the manifestation of His Divinity. The fact that Christ was man needed no demonstration; He had only to be born and live among us. But - the fact that this helpless child was God needed proof and demonstration. His birth would mean nothing to us unless He were also God. And so the feast of His humanity must be completed by the feast of His divinity. This feast presents not so much an event in Christ's childhood as it expresses the MANIFESTATION of the Son of God to the world and the shining forth in all its splendor of the Incarnation. Epiphany means "manifestation". Epiphany stresses two important ideas which have special meaning in our time. 1)The Manifestation of Christ as the Son of God. 2)The extension of Christ's Kingship over the whole world.

On this feast, the Church recounts three events in Our Lord's life when His Divinity shines through His humanity. They are:

1. The adoration of the Magi
2. The baptism of Christ in the Jordan which heralded the Baptism of all His children
3. Christ's first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana.

Moreover the Church looks forward to that "youngest day" when Christ will come again in majesty and power and His manifestation as God will be complete.

To understand Epiphany better, we must consider two oriental customs. First - whenever an oriental ruler visits a city, he is received with great splendor: the city is brilliantly lit, the king enters in gorgeous procession, gives the inhabitants costly gifts, and grants privileges. Such a visit is called a "theophany" or "epiphany" and is considered as a visit of a god come to earth. Hence, the name Epiphany fits this holy feast, because Christ, the King, visits His city, the Church. His people receive Him with splendor and joy, and He Himself gives them the gift and privilege of the Eucharistic banquet.

The second eastern custom that draws our consideration is the splendid celebration of a wedding feast. With the oriental, the celebration of a wedding is a most festal occasion, lasting many days, during which the utmost joy reigns supreme. The eastern mind could think of no more fitting picture of life in heaven than that of a wedding feast. The picture of a wedding is often found in Scripture: Christ comes as the bridegroom of the world; salvation is the wedding of Christ and His Church; the Eucharist is the wedding banquet.

These two pictures are united in the feast of Epiphany. Christ makes His royal entrance into His city, celebrates His marriage with His Church, gathers His children around Him, and holds His wedding banquet. All three festal thoughts are expressed in the exquisite poetry of the Antiphon for the Benedictus at Lauds: "This day the Church is joined into the heavenly Bridegroom, since Christ hath washed away her sins in the Jordan; the wise men hasten with gifts to the marriage supper of the King; and they sit at meat together making merry with water and wine. Alleluia!"

In the Western Church, Epiphany is predominantly a feast of the Gentiles. The 3 Kings, who represent the non-Jewish world, approach the newborn King as our advocates. Indeed, this feast is a symbol of the choosing of the Gentiles by Christ, and the rejection of Christ by His own people, the Jews, who declared, "We have no king but Caesar!" Epiphany is the anniversary of OUR call to the Faith, and our first advocates pay homage to the King with us.

The beautiful Mass of this feast is truly an offertory procession led by the 3 Kings. All nations are gathered in spirit in the great church of St. Peter as we celebrate the universal feast of the Catholic Church. As the Pope and his clergy enter the church, we greet the King who has manifested Himself to His city, for today is the climax of the Christmas cycle and the completion of Advent. The prayer explains the mystery of this Mass beautifully: we are like the Magi, led by the star of faith through the desert of this life, to Christ, the splendid King, in all the glory of His majesty. The Mass itself is like the visit of the Magi; We see the Host which conceals the Majesty of God, just as the human nature of the Child concealed the glory of Christ the King.

During the Mass, the prophet shows us his vision of the messianic kingdom revealed to him by God Himself. All will be illuminated when the King comes to visit His city; the city of God is brilliantly outlined in the Light of Christ the King, while the rest of the earth is wrapped in darkness. All nations turn to this Holy City - the Church - and form a procession to it bearing princely gifts of gold and incense. But the Gospel is not just an historical account of the visit of the Magi. We do not merely listen to it; we ourselves join the Magi in adoring the King when we genuflect at the words "and falling down they adored Him." In the sacrifice of the Mass, the picture comes to life. At the Offertory we go to the altar of God with our gifts in the company of our advocates, the Magi. We call upon all nations to follow us and adore Him.

"The kings of Tharsis and the Isles shall offer gifts; the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring presents; and all the kings of the earth shall adore Him, all nations shall serve Him . . . ."

Before ending the explanation of this wonderful feast, let us also recall the second meaning of Epiphany which is the extension of Christ's kingship to the whole world. The revelation of Christ to the 3 Gentile kings at Bethlehem is a sign of Christ's revelation of Himself to the whole Gentile world. Epiphany represents not merely the calling of a chosen few, but the calling of all nations to Christ. Epiphany is the WORLD FEAST OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. The three kings represent the rulers of every nation in the world. Each will bring the men of good will in their lands to Christ. The Church has indeed called for the recognition of Christ's Divine Kingship over the world. This recognition of His Divine Kingship is vitally needed today and thus, the yearly celebration of Christ's Kingship and Priesthood is an effective way to spread this knowledge. Let us pray and work in the Church for the establishment of Christ's Kingship throughout the world and that it will become a life-giving reality in our own generation.

Say Daily: The TWELFTH NIGHT PRAYERS –from December 26 - January 6

EPIPHANY NOVENA TO THE MAGI (starting Dec. 28)

DECEMBER 28
O holy Magi! You were living in continual expectation of the rising of the Star of Jacob, which would announce the birth of the true Sun of justice; obtain for us an increase of faith and charity, and the grace to live in continual hope of beholding one day the light of heavenly glory and eternal joy. Glory be to the Father . . .

DECEMBER 29
O holy Magi! who at the first appearance of the wondrous star left your native country to go and seek the newborn King of the Jews; obtain for us the grace of corresponding with alacrity to every divine inspiration. Glory be to the Father . . .

DECEMBER 30
O holy Magi! who regarded neither the severity of the season, nor the inconveniences of the journey that you might find the newborn Messiah; obtain for us the grace not to allow ourselves to be discouraged by any of the difficulties which may meet us on the way of salvation. Glory be to the Father . . .

DECEMBER 31
O holy Magi, who, when deserted by the star in the city of Jerusalem, sought humbly, and without human respect, from the rulers of the Church, the place where you might discover the object of your journey; obtain for us grace to have recourse, in faith and humility, in all our doubts and perplexities to the counsel of our superiors, who hold the place of God on earth. Glory be to the Father . . .

JANUARY 1
O holy Magi, who were gladdened by the reappearance of the star which led you to Bethlehem; obtain for us from God the grace, that, remaining always faithful to Him in afflictions, we may be consoled in time by His grace, and in eternity by His glory. Glory be to the Father . . .

JANUARY 2
O holy Magi, who, entering full of faith into the stable of Bethlehem, prostrated yourselves on the earth, to adore the newborn King of the Jews, though he was surrounded only by signs of poverty and weakness; obtain from the Lord for us a lively faith in the real presence of Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, the true spirit of poverty, and a Christ-like charity for the poor and suffering. Glory be to the Father . . .

JANUARY 3
O holy Magi, who offered to Jesus Christ gold, incense, and myrrh, thereby recognizing Him to be at once King, God, and Man; obtain from the Lord for us the grace never to present ourselves before Him with empty hands; but that we may continually offer to Him the gold of charity, the incense of prayer, and the myrrh of penance and mortification. Glory be to the Father . . .

JANUARY 4
O holy Magi, who, when warned by an angel not to return to Herd, traveled back to your country be another road; obtain for us from the Lord, the grace that, after having found Him in true repentance, we may avoid all danger of losing Him again. Glory be to the Father . . .

JANUARY 5
O holy Magi, who were first among the Gentiles called to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and who persevered in the faith till your deaths, obtain for us of the Lord the grace of living always in conformity to our baptismal vows, ever leading to a life of faith; that like you we may attain to the beatific vision of that God Who now is the object of our faith. Glory be to the Father . . .

TWELFTH NIGHT PRAYERS (start Dec. 26)

DECEMBER 26: O sweet Jesus, with the angels let me praise Thee; with the shepherds let me see Thee; with St. Joseph let me find Thee.

DECEMBER 27: O sweet Jesus, with Thy holy Mother I will embrace Thee; with the Magi I will adore Thee.

DECEMBER 28: O sweet Jesus, with Thy spouses let me love Thee; with thy servants let me serve Thee, live for Thee, honor thee, and follow Thee.

DECEMBER 29: O sweet Jesus, with all thy chosen friends, especially thy saints of Christmastide, let me proclaim Thee, suffer for Thee, and finally die for Thee, O Jesus, Who art my Model, my Master, and my King.

DECEMBER 30: O my God! Another year is about to be added to the number of those for which I am accountable to Thee. Well may I recount them all in the bitterness of my soul, for they have been filled with infidelities and ingratitude. Thou hast granted them to me to know, to love, and to serve Thee, and every one of them brings to my recollection numberless omissions of these essential duties. Forgive me, O my God.

DECEMBER 31: Have mercy on me, O Lord, have mercy on me, for I have no hope but in Thy mercy. It now offers me this new year to repair the evils and retrieve the losses of those that are past. Grant, O Lord, that it be entirely consecrated to Thy glory, sanctified by Thy love, and wholly employed in thy service.

JANUARY 1: O most sweet Jesus, how glorious is that Name which is given to Thee this day! I rejoice that it is not borne by Thee a mere empty name, the shadow of a name, as others have borne it; but a Name full of Truth and of all perfection.

JANUARY 2: I thank Thee, O good Jesus, for the will which Thou hadst to save us from Satan and sin, accepting the office, with the Name, of Savior; fulfill it, O Lord, effectually in me; and seeing Thou art Jesus, Est mihi Jesus. Be to me Jesus, be my Savior.

JANUARY 3: O blessed Virgin, beseech thy Son to imprint in my heart that esteem and love of His holy Name, which He imprinted in thine.

JANUARY 4: May the adorable Name of Jesus be the sweet and daily music of my soul, and the seal of my heart.

JANUARY 5: When in the agony and cold sweat of death, when I shall give the last look to heaven for mercy, may the parting sigh of my soul be Jesus, sweet Jesus.

JANUARY 6: O Jesus! Son of the Virgin Mary, infuse into my soul grace, wisdom, charity, chastity, and humility, that I may love Thee perfectly, praise Thee, serve Thee, and eternally rejoice and glory in Thee, with all who devoutly honor and fervently invoke thy holy Name, O Jesus.

FAMILY EPIPHANY PROGRAM
1. Cover dining room table with your most beautiful table cloth. Dress the Infant Jesus in His royal robe and crown and place him in His manger (with a beautiful white pillow under Him to cover the straw). Arrange 6 brass/gold candlesticks (3 on either side of the Infant) with red and white candles. You want the centerpiece to look as kingly and priestly as possible since on this feast day earthly kings honored the King of all kings. Take the figures of the Three Kings from your family creche and place around the Infant King as part of the centerpiece.

2. Prepare a small picture in a gold frame of the Magi adoring the Infant King or perhaps a picture of the Blessed Mother and Child. From here on this will be referred to as "the Epiphany picture".

3. Cut a strip of red construction paper about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Have blessed white chalk. Later in the evening this will be placed above the front door of the home.

Note: It is an ancient custom to have a priest come to bless the home on this Feast. Since this is usually not possible today, the same blessing can be read by the head of the home. After the blessing is read aloud, the father uses the blessed white chalk to place the initials of the 3 Kings - Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar - on the inside of the door frame. The initials can also be written on the red paper. Frame the initials by the number of the year, and connect all these symbols by crosses – for example: +19 + C + M + B + 99+. This symbolizes that all our coming and going will always be in search of the TRUTH, i.e. He whom the Magi searched for by the light of the star.

4. Place the following items at the place of the head of the home at table: the Holy Bible, the Mass Missal with the Epiphany Gospel marked, a copy of the "Twelfth Night Prayer" and the "Epiphany Novena", and small bottle of Holy Water.

5. Place the small folded "Collect" prayer cards (see below) at each person's place. Place copies of the "Twelfth Night Prayer" and "Epiphany Novena" and a red or white candle at each place, too.

6. Set table with the best china and silverware. Use gold napkins if possible or gold napkin rings.

7. Bake "Epiphany cupcakes" (only enough for the number of family members.) Put a small nut or cherry into the batter of one cupcake before baking. Ice beautifully. When dessert is served after the meal, the person who finds the nut in his cupcake wins custody of the "Epiphany picture". This entitles him to call the family together to say the family Rosary each evening in the New Year.

8. Prepare a special dinner. Go all out!

9. Meal is eaten by candle light. The children love it! Be sure to read the Epiphany Meditation before the meal is served!

The Epiphany Dinner Celebration
1. Father leads the Grace before meals. Taking up his glass of wine, he then proposes a toast to the Infant King of Kings.

2. While family members sip wine or water, the Father reads the Epiphany Meditation.

3. ALL read the small Collect prayer cards (see below).

4. Meal is served and eaten by candlelight. It is a festive joyful meal as we celebrate the Revelation of Christ's divine message of Salvation to US - the Gentiles, symbolized by the revelation of His coming to the Gentile Magi on this holy night.

5. Before dessert is served, all read aloud the "Twelfth Night Prayer" for January 6 and the "Novena to the Magi Prayer" for January 6.

6. Epiphany cupcakes are served and the winner of the Epiphany Picture discovered and applauded.

7. Father lights each family member's red or white candle to be carried in procession. Three of the children then are given the figures of the 3 Kings from the centerpiece. They lead the way with the whole family singing "WE THREE KINGS" as they process, as the Magi did, to the family creche to kneel and adore the Divine King. ( All the household lights are off during this procession except for the candles on the meal table and the lights from the creche.) Each family member carries a lighted candle as they process to the creche. These symbolize Christ, the Light of the world who led us to Himself by the light of the star.

8. ALL KNEEL: At the creche, with lighted candles, all read the "Christmas Antiphon."

9. The father now reads aloud the Gospel for the Feast of the Epiphany. St. Matthew 2 1:12.

10. Taking Holy Water, the father now blesses each room of the home while family members remain at the creche and recite the canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, "The Magnificat" and the "Glory Be."

11. All read aloud the "Epiphany Prayer Responses" below.

Epiphany Prayer Responses
ALL: From the East came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures, they offered costly gifts: gold to the great King, incense to the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial, alleluia!

FATHER: Many shall come from Saba.

ALL: Bearing gold and incense.

FATHER: O Lord, hear my prayer.

ALL: And let my cry come unto Thee.

FATHER: Let us pray. O God, who by the guidance of a star didst this day reveal Thy Only-Begotten Son to the Gentiles, grant that we who know Thee by faith may be brought to the contemplation of Thy Heavenly majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ.

ALL: Amen.

ALL: Be enlightened and shine forth, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and upon thee is risen the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.

FATHER: Nations shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brilliance of thy rising.

ALL: And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

FATHER: Let us pray. O Lord, Almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity , self conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell herein may Thy blessing remain forever. Through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen.

With blessed chalk, the door frame is now marked with the initials of the Three Kings connected with crosses and framed with the year (19 . . . . 99) (see above #3 of the Family Epiphany Program)

12. Father then explains aloud to the children the meaning of the placing of the Magi's initials with white chalk on the front door frame or on the red construction paper to be placed above the door. He then writes the initials and crosses.

13. Taking all family members with him, the father places the initials above the door.

14.  ALL RECITE: the blessing of the chalk prayer:

The Blessing of the Chalk Prayer
FATHER: Let us pray. O Lord God, through the power of the priest, Thou didst bless this creature chalk to make it helpful to man. Grant that we who use it with faith and inscribe with it the names of Thy saints Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar upon the entrance of our homes, may through their merits and petition enjoy physical health and spiritual protection. May all our coming and going during this New Year, be always in search of Truth and Thy holy will for our lives. Through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen.

15. CONCLUSION: Pray or sing the short "Magi Hymn."

Before retiring for the night, the family gathers once more before the lighted creche to recite the "Epiphany Evening Prayers." These could also be said prior to the CONCLUDING "MAGI HYMN" (below). End by singing "We Three Kings."

Epiphany Evening Prayers
FATHER: Christ has appeared among us.
ALL: Come, let us adore Him.
MOTHER: The precious gifts which the Magi brought to the Lord this day are threefold, and they are signs of divine mysteries. By gold the power of the King is signified, by frankincense His great Divinity and priesthood, by myrrh the burial of the Lord.
ALL: The Magi worshipped the Author of our salvation in the crib, and of their treasures they brought to Him gifts of mystic nature.
YOUNGEST CHILD: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
ALL: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
FATHER: Let us pray. O God, by the leading of a star Thou didst manifest Thine only begotten Son to the Gentiles on this day; mercifully grant that we who know Thee by faith, may be brought to contemplate the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son.
ALL: Alleluia.

THE MAGI HYMN
The star of Jacob leadeth them, Alleluia!
From Saba to blest Bethlehem, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Gold, myrrh, and incense pure they bring, Alleluia.
To Mary's Child, God, Man, and King, Alleluia!

EPIPHANY MEDITATION
Read before meal is served
Today, on this holy Feast of the Epiphany, which means "manifestation", we remember how the three Kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, traveled from the East following the light of a miraculous Star which shone by day and by night and finally stopped over the place where Jesus, the Savior, lay.

These 3 Wise Men came to worship Jesus Christ, the King of all Kings; and they gave Him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold signified that Jesus is the KING. The frankincense signified that Jesus is DIVINE - the Son of God. The myrrh signified that Jesus was to suffer and die, as Scripture foretold, and that after His death, His body would be taken down from the cross, and His sacred Body would be perfumed with the sweet smelling myrrh.

Even in the gifts of the Magi, God has given us yet another sign of the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The frankincense tells us that Jesus is Divine. The myrrh tells us that He is also man - the God - Man. The gold tells us that He is not only a King, but the King of all kings.

The Magi started on their journey to find the Savior when they saw the Divinely placed star in the sky. We too must have the wisdom to follow the guiding light of the Divinely placed Catholic Church in this world. Its light too, shines by day and by night, that is, in times of tranquillity and in times of suffering and even persecution. If we, like the Magi, follow the guidance of the Church, we SHALL find Jesus Christ the King for all eternity.

The Three Kings did not travel alone on their journey to Bethlehem. They traveled in each other's company and with their people. We too, do not travel the road to Heaven alone. We must strive, by word and example, to guide the souls around us to Heaven, too. A Christian is meant to travel the road of life with others, and help them reach God.

In Jerusalem, the Magi encountered Herod who wanted to kill the Christ Child. Who is Herod today? Today, Herod is the world, the flesh, and the devil - anyone who can kill our souls by leading us into mortal sin. In our materialistic rich world, Herod is seen in a self-centered, worldly, Christ-killing life style. Jesus told us plainly that He would be a sign of contradiction. His Way, and Truth, and Life would be a contradiction to the way of the world. The Christian will have to confront the Herods of this world, too, and may, like Jesus, suffer at their hands.

After the Magi spoke to King Herod, they rediscovered the Star, and with great joy, St. Matthew tells us, they "entered the house and found the Child with Mary, His Mother". Where is the place we will find Jesus even today? The answers are many. We find Jesus in silence, in suffering, in the Seven Sacraments, in our daily duties. And especially we find Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in every Tabernacle in the world. And we will remain safely with Jesus only if we stay close to His Mother Mary every day. Her Rosary is, therefore, a truly wonderful gift.

The Magi, realizing they owed their very existence and their salvation to Jesus Christ, brought gifts to Him in gratitude and adoration. As we journey through life, we, too, can bring gifts to Jesus. One way to do this is by developing and using the talents He has given each of us for His honor and glory and to save souls. Each one of us has gifts to bring to Jesus by sharing our gifts with others. Our lives are given to us for GIVING.

How were the Magi to discern the evil in King Herod? God gave them a dream-vision to guide them. God has given us a vision too. It is the constant vision of His Kingdom - His reign over every soul in the world. If we keep this vision always before us, we will never lose our way in this life.

After learning of Herod's desire to kill the Child, the Magi "returned home by another way." This "other way" is "THE WAY" of Jesus Christ. He told us that we "must be in the world but not of it". Our Christian journey of life must be traveled by "another way" than that held out by the world and the worldly. Jesus warned us that the Way to Heaven is steep and narrow and that few there are who go that way. He told us that the road to Hell is broad and easy and many will go that way. The way to Heaven is a life of prayer and good works done for the love of God. It is obedience to His Commandments and to His Catholic Church. It is the way of the CROSS which Our Lord has already shown us. The story of the Magi is one of conflict between two kinds of Kingship. Herod's way of power, ego, sin, and death; and Christ's way of Grace, service, and love of God, and for His sake, love of neighbor.

PRAYER:
O God, Who on this day, by the leading of a star, did show Thine only begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to eternal life to see and enjoy thee forever in Heaven.

Graciously look down, O Lord, upon the gifts offered to Thee by Thy Church - bread and wine - which will become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are no longer laid before Thee, but HE is sacrificed and received, Who, by those very gifts was signified - Jesus Christ Thy Son Our Lord Who with Thee, and the Holy Ghost are ONE GOD forever. Amen.

COLLECT PRAYER
(on small cards at each place)
O Lord Jesus Christ, who on this day by the leading of a star didst manifest Thine only begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we who know Thee now by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy Majesty. Amen.

"WE THREE KINGS"
1. We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

2. Born a King on Bethlehem's plain;
Gold I bring to crown Him again.
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Refrain

3. Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

Refrain

4. Myrrh is mine its bitter perfume,
Breathes a life of gathering gloom,
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in a stone cold tomb.

Refrain

5. Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Earth to Heaven replies.

CHRISTMAS ANTIPHON
A Child is born in Bethlehem, Alleluia!
Full joyous sings Jerusalem, Alleluia, Alleluia.
From Orient, behold the star, Alleluia.
And holy kings come from afar, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Further Explanation of the Aspects of the Feast of the Epiphany.
The following information is especially helpful in further instructing our children and helping them to understand the meaning of this great feast. One can either read each section below, or paraphrase it to make it age appropriate. This is best done the evening before the feast while you set up the meal table and all that will be needed for the celebration. If you do this year after year, the children will grow in love and appreciation of their Faith.

The Crib (or Infant Christ) Enthroned
Throughout the octave of Christmas, the crib has most probably been set up in the family living room to center the thoughts of the members on the humble birth of the Child at Bethlehem. Now on the feast of Epiphany, the crib (or the family meal table using the figure of the Infant Jesus and the 3 Kings as explained above) should be transformed into a royal throne so that all who see it are reminded of the great thought of Epiphany: "Behold the Lord, the Ruler is come: and the Kingdom is in His Hand, and power, and dominion." The decorating of the crib or similar enthronement of the Infant Jesus at the family meal table can be a wonderful family project enabling mother and father to explain the feast to their children without seeming to be formally teaching them. An elaborate cloth of gold or red can line the crib or cover the dining room table. Upon the head of the Christ Child can be placed a kingly crown and in His Hand a golden scepter. Around Him can be placed golden (or brass) candlesticks with tall candles which burn during the family meal/ prayers. Thus, with these few changes, the Child becomes a regal King. The contrast between the peaceful coming at Christmas and the triumphant world manifestation at Epiphany is eloquently expressed. This simple custom can do much to make the spirit of Epiphany live in your home and family.

Blessing of Epiphany Water
"This day the heavens were opened, and the sea was made sweet; because that Christ is baptized of John in the Jordan."
According to an ancient opinion, often mentioned by the Fathers of the Church, Christ hallowed all waters of the earth through His baptism. Thus we have the tradition of blessing water on the vigil of Epiphany since Christ's divinity would be manifested at His baptism commemorated on the Feast of Epiphany. This blessed Epiphany water will be used tomorrow to bless the homes. If this holy custom is still carried out in our parish church, it would be good to attend with our children and to meditate on the meaning of the coming sacred feast. Prepare a small container so that after the Epiphany vigil, you can take some of the Epiphany water home with you to be used the next day when the priest (or if that is impossible, the father of the family) blesses your home.

The Blessing of the Home – Explanation:
From the altar, the blessing of the Church extends itself on Epiphany to the homes of all the faithful. The custom of going from room to room in the house, blessing it, and inscribing the names of the three Magi above the front door, probably originated in the words of the gospel, "and entering into the house, they found the child with Mary, His Mother, and falling down they adored Him." It is the hope of every Catholic family that Mary, His Mother, and Jesus Christ are always and ever present in our homes and that all our words, works, and thoughts are carried out for their honor and glory and in keeping with the will of God. This is a beautiful custom for families to revive because it helps strengthen the bond between altar and home. If the priest cannot be present to bless the rooms of the home, then the father of the family should do so. Guests can be invited for the occasion who will be inspired to introduce the custom into their own homes in the coming years. Copies of the prayer should be there so that each person can take part. In this way, each family will be doing something to help "restore all things in Christ." After the Epiphany meal and ceremony have taken place, the priest can explain the spirit and meaning of Epiphany to all present.

The Blessing of the Home on Epiphany:
On entering the home, the priest says: "Peace be to this house."
All Present respond: "And to all who dwell herein."

ALL: The Magi come from the east to Bethlehem to adore the Lord: And opening their treasures they offered precious gifts, gold to the great King, frankincense to the true God, myrrh for His burial, Alleluia!

ALL: Recite or sing THE MAGNIFICAT OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY .

Note: During the reciting of THE MAGNIFICAT the rooms of the home are sprinkled with holy water (and incense if a priest is present).

LEADER: Our Father who art in heaven . . . . . and lead us not into temptation,
ALL: But deliver us from evil.
LEADER: All they from Saba shall come
ALL: Bringing gold and frankincense
LEADER: Lord, hear my prayer
ALL: And let my cry come unto Thee
LEADER: The Lord be with thee
ALL: And with thy spirit
LEADER: Let us pray. O God, who by the guidance of a star didst on this day manifest thine only begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know thee by faith may also arrive at the vision of thy glorious majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALL: Be enlightened, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light and kings in the splendor of thy rising, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee.
LEADER: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

After the prayers of the blessing are recited, the initials of the Magi are inscribed upon the doors with the blessed chalk in the following manner: +19+C+M+B+99+ which signifies 1999 A.D., Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar.

The Blessing of the Water on the Vigil of Epiphany
This blessing is intended to be carried out with full solemnity before the main altar. However, if this is not possible and no priest is available for the blessing, the prayers and hymns could be used in the family evening prayers on the eve of Epiphany.

ALL: Pray the Litany of the Saints (found in any missal)
LEADER: Our Father, who art in heaven . . . . . . and lead us not into temptation,
ALL: But deliver us from evil. Amen.
ALL: Pray Psalms 28, 45, 146

PSALM 28
Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; burn my reins and my heart.
For Thy mercy is before my eyes; and I am well pleased with Thy truth.
I have not sat with the council of vanity: neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.
I have hated the assembly of the malignant; and with the wicked I will not sit.
I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass thy altar, O Lord.
That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with bloody men;
In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts.
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.
My foot hath stood in the direct way: in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord.

PSALM 45
Our God is our refuge and strength: a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.
Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled; and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.
Their waters roared and were troubled; the mountains were troubled with his strength.
The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the most High hath sanctified his own tabernacle.
God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it in the morning early.
Nations were troubled, and kingdoms were bowed down: He uttered his voice, the earth trembled.
The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.
Come and behold ye the works of the Lord: what wonders he hath done upon earth, making wars to cease even to the end of the earth.
He shall destroy the bow, and break the weapons: and the shield he shall burn in the fire.
Be still and see that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of armies is with us: the God of Jacob is our protector.

PSALM 146
Praise ye the Lord, because He is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.
The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.
Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises.
Who telleth the number of the stars: and calleth them all by their names.
Great is the Lord, and great is his power: and of his wisdom there is no number.
The Lord lifteth up the meek, and bringeth the wicked down even to the ground.
Sing ye to the Lord with praise: sing to our God upon the harp.
Who covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth.
Who maketh grass to grow on the mountains, and herbs for the service of man.
Who giveth to beasts their food: and to the young ravens that call upon him.
He shall not delight in the strength of the horse: nor take pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: and in them that hope in his mercy.
The celebrant then sings an exorcism against Satan and the apostate angels. The full texts of this exorcism can be found in Latin in the Roman Ritual and in English in "The Blessing of Waters on the Eve of Epiphany" by John Marquess of Bute, K.T., Oxford University Press, New York.

ALL: This day the Church is joined unto the heavenly bridegroom since Christ hath washed away her sins in the Jordan; the wise men hasten with gifts to the marriage supper of the King; and they that sit at meat together make merry with water made wine. Alleluia!"

ALL: Recite the Magnificat of Our Lady (See Below)

ALL: This day the Church is joined unto the heavenly bridegroom since Christ hath washed away her sins in the Jordan: the wise men hasten with gifts to the marriage supper of the King; and they that sit at meat together make merry with water made wine. Alleluia!"
LEADER: The Lord be with thee,
ALL: And with thy spirit.
LEADER: Let us pray. O God, Who by the guidance of a star didst on this day manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we who know Thee by faith may also arrive at the vision of Thy glorious majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The priest then blesses the water. The prayer for the blessing of water can be found in the St. Andrew's Daily Missal or the Roman Ritual.

All join in singing a solemn Te Deum at the conclusion of the blessing.

THE BLESSING OF THE CHALK
It has long been a custom at the Epiphany Mass for the priest to bless pieces of chalk for each family in the parish. This chalk is then taken home and used to inscribe the names of the three holy Kings over the doorway as a sign of the Christian Faith lived in our home and as a protection against the powers of evil. The prayer for the blessing of the chalk is found in the Roman Ritual and is incorporated into the family celebration of Epiphany under #14 of the "The Epiphany Dinner Celebration" above.

"Bless, O Lord God, this Thy creature chalk, that it may be used for the salvation of the human race. And grant through the invocation of Thy most Holy Name, that whoever shall take some of this chalk, or shall write with it upon the doors of his house the names of Thy saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, may through their merits and intercession, receive health of body and protection of soul. Through Christ, our Lord, Amen."

 
THE MAGNIFICAT of the Blessed Virgin Mary
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed,
Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from generation to generation
toward those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones
and has exalted the lowly.
The hungry He has filled with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel His servant, mindful of His mercy -
As He promised our fathers -
Toward Abraham and his descendants forever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The above excerpts were taken from: Epiphany by The Grail, Loveland Ohio, 1945 - Novenas from Advent and Epiphany Calendars from the Dumb Ox Publications , The Holy Bible, St. Andrew Daily Missal, The Christ-like Home, by M. Williams.

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