Simeon

According to the Law of the Lord, forty days after a woman had given birth to a male child, she was to bring the child to the temple so that the mother might complete her ritual purification after childbirth. And so, forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph brought the Child to the temple in Jerusalem.

It says in the Law of the Lord: "Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord." And so, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Lord God and offered a sacrifice. Since they could not afford a lamb, they offered a lesser sacrifice, as was permitted in the Law of the Lord: "A pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons."

Now, there was in Jerusalem a righteous and devout man named Simeon. And he had waited a long time for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. So, led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple courts. And when Mary and Joseph brought in the Child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon met them. He took the Child in his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary:

“Listen carefully: this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”

(See Exodus 13:12-15; Leviticus 12; Luke 2:11-35)

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