GOSPEL READING
Luke 2:21-38
21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and
he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was
conceived in the womb. 22When the time came for their purification
according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to
present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every
firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they
offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a
pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the
Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s
Messiah. 27Guided 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to
your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have
prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the
Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s father and
mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then 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 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a
sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36There was also a prophet, Anna
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age,
having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a
widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped
there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came,
and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were
looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, O Christ.