*📖GOSPEL*
_child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom._
*A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2:22-40)*
When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the
parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (as
it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb
shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is
said 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, and this man
was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that
he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in
the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,
to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms
and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in
peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you
have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother
marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to
Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce
through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be
revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband
seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was
eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting
and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give
thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption
of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the Law
of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And
the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God
was upon him.
*The Gospel of the Lord*
I believe in God, /....