The Presentation of our Lord

    

Monday musical meditations on God's good news






















An opening prayer:

    In his temple now behold him;
    See the long-expected Lord.
    Ancient prophets had foretold him;
    God has now fulfilled his Word.
    Now to praise him, his redeemed
    Shall break forth with one accord.

    In the arms of her who bore him,
    Virgin pure, behold him lie,
    While his aged saints adore him
    Ere in faith and hope they die.
    Alleluia! Alleluia!
    See th' incarnate God most high!

    Jesus, by your presentation,
    You who did for us endure,
    Let us see your great salvation,
    Seal us with your promise sure,
    And present us in your glory
    To your Father, cleansed and pure. Amen.


Luke 2:22–40

  • And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23  (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).
  • 25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel's consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
  • 26  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord's Messiah.
  • 27  Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28  Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, 29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. 
  • 30  For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.
  • 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.
  • 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary: "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—  35 and a sword will pierce your own soul— that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
  • 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.
  •  38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
  •  39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on him.
         helpful notes on Luke 2:25–32

Good new questions

  • Can you die in peace, in Christ? For what reasons?

For others pray

  • That God spreads the good news of the kingdom of the Son he loves in Brazil

J.S. Bach's beautiful music for today

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