Update Presentation of Jesus in The Temple and Candlemas Day Feb 2nd 2012

Simeon's Song of Praise via Wikipedia

Mass readings for today
are here

Click here for a video  of the Presentation scene .(The embed code was disabled)

Gospel Luke 2 : 22-40

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord ,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons ,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 

He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple,
but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favour of God was upon him.

REFLECTIONS ON THE GOSPEL

My reflections on the gospel can be found here as the same gospel was read at Mass on December 29th 2010.
and also this new post (Jan 2012) is relevant.

Today, the priest blesses candles that will be used throughout the liturgical year during Mass on this day.

As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger


If Candlemas be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight

If Candlemas be cloud and rain
Winter will be gone and not come again

I have reposted the splendid Taize Hymn " Let Your Servant Now Go In Peace" again below :