Solemnity of the Epiphany
CTK celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany last January 7.
The feast of the Epiphany celebrates the three events that Christ has made Himself known to the world, manifesting the mission and divinity of Christ: the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the miracle at Cana.
The visit of the Magi is emphasized on Epiphany Day. Christ’s baptism is celebrated the next day, and the miracle at Cana the Sunday after that.
All the January 7 masses included the special blessing of calendars , smartphones, and appointment books. Near the end of the mass, the prayer for the Blessing of Calendars on the Feast of the Epiphany was recited by all
It was interesting to note that 15 years ago, everyone would have been holding up paper-based planners and notebooks. But on the January 7 weekend, nearly everyone was putting up smartphones to be blessed, with just one or two paper planners held up in the crowd.
Prayer for the Blessing of Calendars on the Feast of the Epiphany
In every age, O God, you have been our help. To the wise men of the East, your star rose at the appointed time to lead them to your Son. To those at the Jordan, your Spirit descended upon Jesus to show us that indeed the time of your kingdom had come. And at the wedding banquet of Cana, time stood still as the guests drank fully from the bottomless cup of joy Christ provided. You created all time and set the stars in motion, and yet not one second of our life goes by without your care.
Bless then our timekeepers— our calendars and clocks, watches and daytimers, computers and cellphones, notepads and notebooks. Help us not be slaves to them or to fill them so much that we miss your presence here and now. But let us use them to help us be in the right place at the right time where we can do your will and witness you at work in our world. May we remember each moment and never forget that you are with us until the end of time. This we pray in the name of Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega. To him be glory and power through every age for ever and ever. Amen.
