Simeon... blessed God

In the temple of Jerusalem, the old man Simeon utters two oracles: a song of praise for the gift of salvation he has witnessed, and a prophecy of the salvation in Jesus which has still to come.

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The first oracle is classified as a hymn, like Mary’s Magnificat, Zechariah’s Benedictus, and the Gloria of the angelic choir. It is popularly known as Nunc Dimittis, from the opening lines in Latin. Like them, it is considered a composition of Luke rather than the actual words of the speaker himself.

Simeon’s first canticle is recited in the night prayers of the Church and by pious souls as they prepare to sleep. It expresses the joy of a “watchman” of being released from his duty by the arrival of the one for whom he was watching. Thus it easily applies to one who retires from work or office of responsibility. It gives voice to the contentment of one who has had a good life. The source of this peace in letting go is God who brings his word to completion.

At the end of the day, before you retire to sleep, do you pray in the spirit of the Nunc Dimittis? Do you recall and thank God for the gifts of the day? Do you go to sleep at peace with your conscience?

First Reading • 1 Jn 2:3-11