Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Three Kings' Blessing

"All kings of the earth shall adore Him: all nations shall serve Him." Psalm 71:11.

Boy kings you might call them. They take part in an expressive ceremony in the city of Cologne, Germany, on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. You will recall that the relics of the Three Kings who came to worship our Lord are preserved in the Cathedral of Cologne. Their venerated remains are carried in solemn procession through the aisles.

After this devotional service, directed to honor the royal three who honored our Infant Savior, three little boys are dressed in the traditional garb of the Magi, in all the colors and trappings of the East. Staff in hand, the trio trudge from home to home, serenading each with sacred hymns, reminding those within that thousands of years ago three wise men journeyed over land and sea to visit and adore the Infant Christ. In return the people load these little fellows with gifts of sweets and good things of all kinds. The gifts are in reverse, as it were, but they serve to recall the precious gifts offered to the Infant Son of God by these men from afar.

This is a childlike custom. Mother Church also has her official way of recalling the coming of the wise men. In addition to her solemn office and Mass of the day, she has provided what is called the Three Kings' Blessing, also known as the Blessing of Homes on Epiphany.

This blessing is a significant sacramental, source and means of many graces and spiritual helps. In certain communities and among certain nationalities the priest blesses each home. In most religious houses he blesses each room. At the top of the door in places thus blessed the celebrant or an assistant writes the following legend:

19-C-M-B-50

This testifies that on the Feast of the Three Kings who traditionally are known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, this house, this room was blessed. Here is the ceremony:

The priest first blesses the chalk:

"Our help is in the name of The Lord."

"Who made heaven and earth."

"The Lord be with you."

"And with thy spirit."

"Let us pray--

Bless, O Lord God, this creature of chalk, that it may be helpful to mankind; and grant that through the invocation of Thy holy name those who use it or who write with it over the doors of their homes the holy names of Caspar. Melchior, and Balthasar, may obtain health of body and safety of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

As the priest enters the home, he says:

"Peace be to this house."

"And to all who dwell therein."

He continues with this antiphon:

"Wise men came from the East to Bethlehem, to adore the Lord: and opening their treasures they offered Him precious gifts, gold for the great king, incense for the true God, and myrrh for His burial, Alleluia."

Sprinkling the room with holy water and incensing it, the priest recites the Magnificat--"My soul doth magnify the Lord." After the Magnificat the priest repeats the Antiphon above. He then prays aloud the first two words of the Our Father, continuing quietly until the petition:

"And lead us not into temptation."

"But deliver us from evil."

"All they from Saba shall come,

"Bringing gold and frankincense."

"O Lord, hear my prayer;

"And let my cry come unto Thee."

"The Lord be with you;

"And with thy spirit."

"Let us pray--

O God, who on this day by the leading of a star didst manifest Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: mercifully grant that we who know Thee by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same Lord Thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen."

He recites this antiphon:

"Be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, Jesus Christ of the Virgin Mary."

There follow the liturgical response to the antiphon just recited:

"And the Gentiles shall walk in Thy light, and kings in the brightness of Thy rising;

"And the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee."

"Let us pray--

Bless, O Lord, Almighty God, this home, that in it there may be health, chastity, strength of victory, humility, goodness, and industry, a fulness of law and the action of graces through God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that this blessing may remain on this home and on those who frequent it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Enter into the spirit of this blessing. Become companions of the holy kings. All of us would like to have been with them when they reached Bethlehem and adored our Lord. That joy, that privilege can be yours on Epiphany, can be yours every day.

The distance to your parish church is not long in miles, but it is long in excuses and obstacles--real or imagined. Journey there on January 6, journey there at every opportunity, and you will have the joy of adoring the same Christ the wise men worshipped. Be companions of those kings. Amen