The gospel tells us that the magi found Christ “on entering the house.” The door to your home is a holy threshold. You can bless those who come in and go out by inscribing above the door in chalk the first two numbers of the year+C+M+B+the last two numbers of the year. Tradition tells us that the letters stand for the names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Adolph Adam points out that it may also mean “Christus mansionem benedicat” or “May Christ bless this dwelling.” It’s appropriate to bless your door in January-janua means “door” and the first month is the door to the new year.
After inscribing the doorway, say this prayer:
God of Bethlehem and Cana,
God of Jordan’s leaping waters,
in baptism you bring us
into your family.
You wed us and embrace us
as your beloved.
May we fill this place
with kindness to one another,
with hospitality to guests,
and with abundant care
for every stranger.
By the gentle light of a star,
guide home all who seek you
on paths of faith, hope and love.
Then we will join the angels in
proclaiming your praise:
Glory in heaven and peace on earth,
now and for ever. Amen.
Then sing a Christmas carol.
Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by David Philippart and Gabe Huck. Art by Chuck Ludeke.
On January 4, 1998, when Fr. Jennings was pastor at Sacred Heart, the south doors to our narthex were blessed. Have you noticed the plaque above the door?
Fr. Jennings also shared the secret of the magi in the peanut. If you take a peanut and break it in half, you will see the face of one of the kings. Look at the pictures below. The image of the Magi is outlined in the picture on the right. Can you see the king? Now see if you can find the magi in your peanuts.
