THE PRESENTATION
THE PRESENTATION3
For forty days after the birth of a son, a woman, according to the law,
was considered unclean, and was obliged to continue her purification
for her readmittance into the temple.
In order to comply with this
law, and also satisfy the obligation which demanded sanctification
and presentation to the Lord of all first-born sons, Mary travelled
to Jerusalem, where she was to appear in the temple with her Son.
During her journey, the Holy Spirit enlightened the high-priest
Simeon, who had been promised that he would live to see the Saviour,
concerning the coming of the Lord, and of His presentation
in the temple in the arms of His mother.
The high-priest Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, entered the
temple, and saw both Mother and Child enveloped in splendor and glory.
He accepted the Infant Jesus from His mother's hands.
Raising up his eyes to heaven he offered him up to the Eternal Father, saying "Now dost Thou dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, because my eyes have seen Thy salvation."
Pray
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