The Presentation of the Lord

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up

to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord - observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-

born male must be consecrated to the Lord - and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the

Law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named

Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel's comforting and the Holy Spirit

rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes

on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the

child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

 

"Now, Master, you can let you servant go in peace,

just as you promised;

because my eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all the nations to see,

a light to enlighten the pagans

and the glory of your people Israel."

As the child's father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon

blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "You see this child: he is destined for the fall and rising of many in

Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected - and a sword will pierce your own soul too - so that the secret

thoughts of many may be laid bare."

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her

days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-

four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just

at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the

deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of

Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favour was with

him.

Luke 2: 22 - 40

The Epiphany / The Baptism of Jesus

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