Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Simeon Recognizes The Child As The Messiah, But a Sword Will Pierce Mary’s Soul

²⁵ And behold— a man was in Jerusalem for whom the name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and reverent^[a], waiting-for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he would see the Christ of the Lord. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple. And at the parents bringing-in the child Jesus that they might do for Him according to the thing^[b] having become-a-custom from the Law, ²⁸ he also took Him into his arms. And he blessed God, and said, ²⁹ “Now You are releasing Your slave in peace in accordance with Your word, Master, ³⁰ because my eyes saw Your salvation ³¹ which You prepared in the presence of all the peoples— ³² the light for the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel”. ³³ And His father and mother were marveling at the things being spoken about Him. ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold— this One is appointed^[c] for^[d] the falling and rising of many in Israel, and for^[e] a sign being spoken-against^[f]— ³⁵ and indeed a sword will pierce the soul of you yourself— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed”.

Anna The Prophet Thanks God For the Child

³⁶ And there was Anna— a prophet, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. This one was advanced in her many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, ³⁷ and herself being a widow up-to^[g] eighty four years, who was not departing from the temple, serving^[h] night and day with fastings and prayers. ³⁸ And having come-upon them at the very hour, she was returning-thanks to God, and was speaking about Him to all the ones waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.