Melchior – Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, GOLD I bring to crown Him again. King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.
Balthazar – MYRRH is mine: its bitter perfume, breathes a life of gathering gloom. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Caspar – FRANKINCENSE to offer have I; Incense owns a deity neigh. Prayer and praising gladly raising, Worship Him, God on High.
Following the star, they reached Bethlehem and upon entering the house, they found the Child with Mary. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage and presented Him with their gifts.
WHAT GIFTS DO WE BRING TO CHRIST TODAY? The Magi seek Christ but do not seek Christ empty handed. They each bring a gift to offer to Jesus as a sign of humility and as an act of worship. Each one of us has unique gifts and talents that God has given us. We can use those gifts and talents to glorify ourselves, but this glory fades. On the other hand, when we lay our gifts and talents down at the feet of Christ we become a part of something greater. This is what the Magi did and this is what this feast invites us to do.
At Mass, we are given an Epiphany each week when we receive Christ in the Eucharist. If we approach the altar as the Magi approached the crib and lay down our gifts and talents – and give them to Christ to glorify him, we will truly be blessed and we will not be the same. May this New Year be a special one for us – let us make an effort to grow in a closer encounter with Christ.
Blessing Your Home – Because this was the day the Three Kings visited the house of Jesus, the custom of blessing homes on Epiphany Day developed. After the blessing, the following was written in chalk on the back of the door: 20 + C + M + B +16. The letters are the initials of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) and are also shorthand for Christus mansionem benedicat, Latin for “Christ bless this house.” The numbers declare the new year, 2016, and the four crosses represent the four seasons. Bless your home by inscribing 20 + C + M + B + 2016 on the back of your door using the following prayer:
“Lord, Jesus, the three kings followed the star that led them to Your home. Help us to find You in this house through the love we share. Bless our home and all of us during this year ahead. Amen.”
A special Thanks:
At this time of the year Fr. Henry and myself would like to thank everyone who has treated us so kindly with love, greetings, gifts, prayers and best wishes. We also extend our thanks to all those who have contributed to make our Advent and Christmas liturgies so meaningful.
The simple beauty of our parish celebrations comes together because of the rich personal gifts, talents and dedication of many in our parish, including decorators, musicians and choir members, ushers and altar servers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and sacristans. Thanks to parents for encouraging their children to take part in the Nativity Play and the children’s choir. We are always so appreciative of all those who attend our celebrations and make it so lively by actively taking part in it. Sincere thanks to all who have so generously contributed towards our 2015 Christmas offertory collection. May God bless each and every one of you, granting you joy and peace in your hearts and in your families always.
God Bless you.
Fr. Socorro