On the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, celebrated this year on January 3, it is custom to ask God's blessing on our homes. Pieces of blessed chalk will be available at all Masses this weekend, or you could use any piece of chalk to write the following on the lintel above the main door of your home:

20 + C + M + B + 21

CMB represents the traditional names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, as well as the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat (Christ Bless this Home).

After marking the door with chalk, read the story of the visit of the Magi from Matthew 2.1-12 and say the following prayer:

Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill them with the light of Christ, that their concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.