Set aside some time and try this meditation, based on the Gospel reading of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, accompanied by music.

1. Read the Gospel for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
2. Listen to this recording of the Nunc Dimittis (which is the prayer that Simeon says aloud, translated here) by Arvo Pärt. Read the Gospel aloud or silently over it. Imagine the temple. Imagine the darkness, the light, the smells and sounds.
3. Imagine Simeon coming “in the Spirit in the temple” and taking the child Jesus into his arms while proclaiming this prayer and revelation.
4. Imagine Mary and Joseph’s reactions and how they would ponder this and what was to come for their Son.

Remember to join us to celebrate this revelatory Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 7:00 pm. The choir will be singing another evocative setting of the Nunc Dimittis by Paul Smith, which you can also use for meditation.