Thursday, December 17, 2020
![12_30_presentation[1]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/12_30_presentation1.jpg)
Nunc Dimittis
Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen tour salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.
“Nunc Dimittis, also called the Song of Simeon, in the New Testament, a brief hymn of praise sung by the aged Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Simeon was at the Temple in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph came to present the infant Jesus for the rite of purification according to Jewish law and custom. Simeon recognized the baby as the promised Saviour, took him in his arms, and raised his hymn of praise. Found in Luke 2:29–32, it is called the Nunc Dimittis for its first words in the Latin of the Vulgate Bible: Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum, in pace, “Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised.” Because of its implications of fulfillment, peace, and rest, the early church viewed it as appropriate for the ending of the day. Since the 4th century it has been used in such evening worship services as Compline, Vespers, and Evensong”. (“Nunc Dimittis”)
“A third Lucan theme is offered by old Simeon in his inspired benediction, the Nunc Dimittis . . . Simeon, a pious man longing for “the consolation of Israel” (the messianic age), is assured by the Holy Spirit that he will live to see it. The Holy Spirit leads him to the Temple at the time of Jesus’ presentation and inspires him to know the child is God’s Messiah. In his inspired song, he declares Jesus to be the means of salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile. On that conviction rests Jesus’ ministry and the mission of the church”. (Mays 932)
How blessed are we that we need not await God’s coming to live among us, for Christ lives in us today. How sanctified are we to be children of God, for we are sisters and brothers of Christ. How holy are we to have God the creator to guide us, Jesus the Redeemer to lead us, and the Spirit Consoler to abide with us, for we are called to live the new Law of Love.
The child for whom Simeon waited for a lifetime is among us this day. Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace. Now, Master . . .
To hear this canticle set to music and sung by the Ely Cathedral Choir, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGotSUuwjaY
For more information and the Latin version of this canticle, click on the image above or go to: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=982
For more reflections on this evening canticle and Simeon, enter the word Simeon in the blog search bar.
“Nunc Dimittis.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 12 Dec 2013. .
Mays, James L., ed. HARPERCOLLINS BIBLE COMMENTARY. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988. 932. Print.
The Noontimes 