Luke 2:22-35
When the time came for their purification
according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him
to the Lord
(as it is written in the law of the Lord,
“Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”),
and they offered a sacrifice according to what
is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name
was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the
consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the
temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was
customary under the law,
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant
in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all
peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for
glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed
at what was being said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to his
mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in
Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed
so that the inner thoughts of many will be
revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”