EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
INTRODUCTION:
Today we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. We will hear of a bright star which led wise men to Bethlehem where they found the infant Christ. This is the meaning of the Epiphany: Christ appeared as a great light. All nations and races come to him and accept him as their Saviour
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2: 1-12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
PARISH OFFICE
Opens on 09 January 2024 and normal working hours resume.
Monday Closed
Tuesday -Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will start again on Thursday the 11th of January. Those who committed themselves please remember your times. For new people who would like to be added to the roster, please write your names to the list on the porch.
CHALKING THE DOOR
The Epiphany House Blessing
“Chalking the Door” is a centuries-old custom in which Christians gather on the feast of the Epiphany to ask for God’s blessing on their home.
A traditional way of doing this is to take a piece of blessed chalk and inscribe above the entrance door to the home “20+C+M+B+24”.
The “20” and “24” refer to the actual year. The “+” between the letters symbolizes the cross of Christ. The “C M B” initials have two meanings:
- The initials represent the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar; and
- in Latin “Christus Mansionem Benedict” (May Christ bless this house).
WHEN BLESSING YOUR HOUSE
Say this prayer
Let us pray:
Bless, O Lord God Almighty, this home, that in it, there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfilment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. May this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein, through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY:
For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church:
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
SICK & ELDERLY
Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.
LITURGY
Tuesday the 9th will be the start of Ordinary Time in Liturgy. Traditionally we will keep Christmas decorations and sing Christmas Carols until the 2nd of February the Feast of Presentation of the Lord.
