Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

²⁵ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And the same man was just, and feared God, and longed for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was in him. ²⁶ And a revelation had been given him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came by inspiration into the temple. And when the father and mother brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ then he took him up in his arms and said, ²⁹ Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your promise. ³⁰ For my eyes have seen the saviour sent from you, ³¹ whom you have prepared before the face of all people – ³² a light to give sight to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

³³ And his father and mother marvelled at those things that were spoken of him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, Behold, this child shall be the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and a sign that shall be spoken against. ³⁵ And moreover, the sword will pierce your soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

³⁶ And there was a prophetess, one Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, ³⁷ and been a widow for about eighty-four years. She never went out of the temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸ And she came forth also that same hour, and praised the Lord, and spoke of him to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.