A reading from Galatians chapter 4 verses 4 to 7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a
woman, born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those who were under
the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And because
you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ 7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a
child then also an heir, through God.
Hear the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke, chapter 2 beginning at verse 22
Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ
22 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 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall
be designated as holy to the Lord’), 24 and they offered a sacrifice
according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves
or two young pigeons.’
25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him
by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the
Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised
God, saying,
29 ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being
said about him. 34 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 35 so that the inner thoughts
of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
36 There 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 for
seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-
four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and
prayer night and day. 38 At 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.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew
and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon
him.
For the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
