What is the Epiphany of the Lord?
The Epiphany is a solemnity, the highest classification of liturgical feasts. It commemorates when “magi from the East” paid homage to the newborn Christ child and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These symbolic gifts represent Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and a foreshadowing of his death, respectively.
When is the Epiphany celebrated?
Traditionally, Epiphany is Jan. 6. The famous carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is essentially a countdown from Christmas Day through Epiphany Eve.
But here’s where it gets tricky: Since the changes to the liturgical calendar after Vatican II, the United States and other countries have transferred the celebration to the first Sunday after Jan. 1, meaning that it can fall anytime from Jan. 2 to 8.
This year, U.S. Catholics will celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, Jan. 4. Though it’s a holy day of obligation, that obligation is fulfilled just by attending Sunday Mass.
Why is the Epiphany important?
It’s the first recorded instance of Gentiles — the magi were not Jewish — accepting Jesus. It can be seen as prefiguring how the Gentiles would be recognized as “co-heirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel” (Eph 3:6).
Where is the Epiphany found in the Bible?
Look for it in Matthew 2:1-12. Readers will note that the Biblical account never gives the magi’s names or even says how many there were, although there is a tradition of Three Wise Men named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
What are some of the ways that Epiphany is celebrated?
Because Epiphany was when Jesus received his gifts from the magi, some — especially those from Latin American countries — open presents on Epiphany instead of on Christmas.
Another tradition, also associated with Latin American countries, is the “Rosca de Reyes,” also known as a Three Kings Cake. The colorful, ring-shaped cake, adorned with dried fruits, includes plastic figurines of the baby Jesus hidden inside. Those who find a baby in their slice are expected to bring tamales or other goodies to share on Candlemas, Feb. 2, the day on which the Church celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple 40 days after his birth.
How can you bless your home on Epiphany?
There is a beautiful tradition of blessing one’s home on Epiphany, using blessed chalk.
At some parishes, chalk blessed by the parish priest is made available for parishioners to pick up. (Please note that blessed chalk is a sacramental, like holy water or the blessed palms one receives on Palm Sunday. Like all sacramentals, it should be treated respectfully and never simply thrown away or tossed in with the chalk the kids use to draw in the driveway. You can respectfully bury it or set it aside for next year’s Epiphany House Blessing.)
The father of the family or head of the household uses the blessed chalk to mark the following inscription on the lintel of the main door: 20+C+M+B+26
The following is just one example of a prayer used on this occasion, with the words recited as the inscription is being made:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Three Wise Men, Caspar (C), Melchior (M), and Balthasar (B), followed the star of God’s Son who became Man two thousand (20) and 26 (26) years ago. (+) May Christ (+) bless our home (+) and remain with us (+) through the new year.
Almighty God, incline thine ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send thy holy angel who will defend us and fill with grace all who dwell here. Amen.
