THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, JANUARY 4, 2026

MASS READINGS

Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

REFLECTION

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

We really don't know how many magi came to pay homage to Jesus. Tradition mentions 3: Melchior, Caspar, and Baltazar. In the Kölner Dom, the Cologne Cathedral, there is a shrine with a reliquary containing the remains of the magi. They have been there since the 1100's.

Pope Benedict XVI has a very good reflection on these mysterious men. He tells us that they were educated men that had "restless hearts". Not satisfied with the superficial and ordinary, they wanted something more. They searched, had the humility to endure mockery during their journey, and courage to bend down before a child to recognize Him as the promised King:

For them it was a question of truth itself, not human opinion. Hence they took upon themselves the sacrifices and the effort of a long and uncertain journey. Their humble courage was what enabled them to bend down before the child of poor people and to recognize in him the promised King, the one they had set out, on both their outward and their inward journey, to seek and to know. (Pope Benedict's Homily for January 6, 2012)

Just as St. Augustine told us of his restless heart, we all have that restlessness as well. Today is a great opportunity to follow the example of these brave wise men and set on our search of the Lord this 2026. To help us with this, there is a great Catholic tradition of chalking of the door.

Many churches will distribute blessed chalk during the weekend for this purpose. If not, bring some to Mass and ask your Priest or Deacon to bless them after Mass. When you are home, have the father or the head of the household chalk these letters above the doorstep: 20 + C + B + M + 26.

These are the initials of Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior, but they also mean "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" (May Christ bless the house).

A prayer is said while each letter is being chalked. A variation of this prayer follows:

Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Leader: Let us pray. The three Wise Men,

[write C] Caspar,

[write M] Melchior,

[write B] and Balthazar, followed the star of God’s Son, who became man

[write 20] two thousand

[write 26] and twenty-six years ago.

[write 1st +] May Christ

[write 2nd +] bless our home

[write 3rd +] and remain with us

[write 4th +] throughout the new year.

Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, incline your ear. Bless us and all who are gathered here. Send your holy angel, who will defend us, and fill with grace all who dwell here.

All: Amen

The chalking of the door could also be a way to evangelize those who come into our household as a sign that we are not only looking for God, we are also revealing Him to the world.

And we Mexicans, finish this tradition by sharing a sweet bread called "Rosca de Reyes". Inside we hide a small "Baby Jesus". Whoever gets a slice of rosca with the baby inside has to organize a party on February 2nd in honor of the Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas. Which is 40 days after the birth of Jesus.

Both of these are events that are shared with friends and family. I think they are wonderful ways to evangelize and teach our Catholic Culture and traditions to those around us.

Happy Epiphany! Feliz Dia de Reyes!

God bless y'all!