A light for revelation

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Nunc dimmitis

Tenebrae, Nigel Short

Today is Monday the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time.

Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing the Nunc Dimittis from Rachmaninov’s Vespers, the song of Simeon: “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”. As you listen, become aware that you are in God’s presence now, that you too are God’s servant, and a part of this story of salvation.

2:54

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2:22-32

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought [Jesus] 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 turtle-doves 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.’

4:58

The Poet

Cheryl Ann Fulton

Spend a moment imagining Simeon... an elderly man... righteous and devout, in the temple on this day. A man close to God, who has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will see the Messiah before his death. Picture his face.

Find him in the Temple today, praying perhaps, pray alongside him, staying close to him.

Now see him turn his head towards the doors of the Temple, rise and leave his prayer in haste.

Watch with him as he sees the young couple bringing their infant to the Temple... up the steps into the portico...

How does Simeon greet them?

Watch him take the child from them, into his arms, take a moment to gaze with him upon the child, Jesus.

As you listen again to the words from Simeon’s song, describing who Jesus is and all that he brings to Simeon, and to us: Peace...salvation...light...revelation...glory...As you listen again, receive these gifts.

8:38

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.’

9:36

You may like to end your time of prayer today by turning your gaze upon this promised child and imagine that you hold him in your arms...

Try echoing Simeon’s words, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”

11:47

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen