THE EPIPHANY BLESSING

A REFLECTION FOR THE EPIPHANY

(20 + Caspar + Melchior + Balthazar + 20) 

This Holy Inscription is placed over each door in the house—beginning with the main entrance door. This is to obtain the notice of the Three Wise Men, and to remind us of their prayers and protection. 

The Three Wise Men traveled great distances, in heat and cold, over mountains and deserts, while most of our travel is limited to going back and forth through the doorways of our homes.  They are our example nevertheless: as we make our way through life in this way till we find our final rest with God, the travels of the Wise Men and the dangers that faced them with each new day did not stop them until they reached the place where they found the child with Mary His Mother. 

The Epiphany Blessing is an act of Faith. It must never be looked upon as an act of superstition that is considered merely to bring protection. By our act of Faith, we ask the Three Wise Men to lead us safely across the line of the Year of Our Lord 2020. We ask them, also, to lead us in safely until we reach the Place where we shall find Him. We must never doubt. Our Faith must cause us to believe that the holy inscription over our door will stand guard over our house and protect it. Our Faith must ever be strong and constant, so that God’s protection remains strong and constant. 

Call to mind now when the Kings sought certitude, they turned to human reassurance and human counsel. At their arrival at Jerusalem they sought human help. In so doing, they lost divine guidance. In their demand to the Jews for natural evidence, they were punished by the withdrawal of the heavenly sign. When they finally left Herod and stopped looking for human guidance, the star again went before them until it stood over the place where the Child was. Only after dependence on the providence of God was re-established did the star reappear, to lead them safely to their final destination. And falling down on their knees they worshiped Him. 

So must it be with us as we step into the New Year 2020. We must not fear the thunder that is shaking our earth! We must not fear cold, or hunger, or poverty or martyrdom or death! We must not go forth in answer to every voice that calls to us from the depths of the world’s iniquity.  Stand guard, and together with the Saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, follow the star until we reach the Place where we shall find Him. 

(Author unknown)