Have You Chalked Your Door?

This tradition of writing on the wall signifies an open invitation to Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes and in our hearts as we go about our busy lives. The chalk will fade over time; may the meaning of the message to sink into our hearts, bearing fruit in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Have you heard of this Epiphany tradition?

It was news to me when I saw the home blessing kits at the rear of the chapel yesterday morning. Brows furrowed, grin mildly contorted toward a smirk, I picked up one of the bags with a small piece of chalk and a paper folded up inside. “This is interesting,” I thought, quickly followed by, “if I don’t use it, I can bring it back tomorrow.”

I had no clue as to what I was taking with me. It wasn’t a book or a pamphlet, wasn’t a rosary or a prayer card, so I was slightly confused and almost not trusting of it. It was out of the ordinary, so it was as though I needed to justify my curiosity in it.

Curiosity well spent.

I enjoy actively participating in the Faith. Even more so, I thoroughly enjoy learning interesting information while I’m actively participating. There’s a childlike giddiness that comes from growing in the Faith. Throw in a hint of apparent rebellion and I totally want in. These little kits were perfect to satisfy just such a hunger.

Arriving back in my room, I put the little kit down and walked away to get work done. A couple of hours later, I hit a natural pause. Looking up, I again felt my face contort into a playful grin as I caught sight of it. Walking over, I opened the bag, read the little note, fetched a step-stool, and chalked my door.

What is this exciting tradition, you ask? What do those letters and numbers mean? Why would I write anything on the wall?

First of all, writing on the wall is mutinously fun. It’s seriously exhilarating. At one point, I giggled like a schoolgirl getting away with a prank. Then my adult self kicked in and I thought, “How am I going to fix this?” My logical brain retorted, “Wipe it off with a damp cloth.” And I chuckled triumphantly to myself as though I’d discovered the biggest discovery ever to be discovered by a discoverer.

My reactions to this whole tradition are childlike silliness and fun. Will you join me in the fun?

You may want to know the symbolism before committing to anything. I get that. In fact, I applaud that. Go you. Check it out:

• + = ✞ = the Cross
• 2020 = the year
• CMB represents two things:
  the three wise men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar
  – and –
  Christus mansionem benedicat: may Christ bless this house

While marking the doorway, speak the following:

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling place among us.
It is Christ who enlightens our hearts and homes with His love.
May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.
May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year.
Amen.

After marking the door, there’s a prayer to offer. This can be done silently or aloud:

Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of Your presence.
Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of Your love, and grant that we may manifest Your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch.
May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you.
Guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever.
Amen.

Have you ever done this before? Did you just discover this discovery and want to try it out? Do you have any other Epiphany traditions?

Benedic Christus nos!