Thursday 29 December

1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2:22-35

Go in peace

According to Luke, Simeon was a devout Jew, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon was there. He took Jesus in his arms and prayed. His prayer is used in the Night Prayer of the Church. ‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.’