February 2nd: Candlemas – Presentation of Christ in the Temple & the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Luke 2:25-32  tells how Simeon, a devout Jew, was waiting at the Temple to see the Messiah. On seeing Jesus, he knew that he was looking at the Messiah and so he praised God and uttered the prayer we now call Nunc dimittis. The canticle is also known as the Song of Simeon.

Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

The illustration is from Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, (1412-16).

Carol