JESUS IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE / THE NUNC DIMITTUS

 When the day came for them to be purified in keeping with the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Malachi 3:1) - observing what is written in the Law of the Lord: ''Consecrate all the first-born to me, the first birth from every womb, among the Israelites. Whether it is man or beast, it is mine. (Exodus 13:2) and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.'' (Leviticus 12:1-8) Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to the restoration of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him 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 (Numbers 3:40-51), he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said, “Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised. My eyes have seen the salvation which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” Return