The Presentation of the Lord

As today we hold our burning candles, 

who could fail immediately to recall that venerable old man who, on this day, 

took Jesus in his arms, the Word who was latent in a body as light is in wax, 

and declared him to be the light to enlighten the nations?

Simeon himself was also a bright and shining lamp, which bore witness to the light. 

He came to the temple under the influence of the Holy Spirit 

which filled him precisely in order that, 

receiving your loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of your temple, 

he might proclaim Jesus as that loving-kindness and the light of your people.

There, then, is the candle alight in Simeon’s hands: 

do you light your own candles by enkindling them at his – 

those lamps which the Lord commanded you to have in your hands.

In order to light all these lamps for yourselves, 

approach the source of light and become enlightened – 

I mean Jesus who shines in Simeon’s hands to light up your faith, 

shine on your works, inspire your speech, 

make your prayer fervent and refine your intentions.

To Him be praise and splendor forever. Amen.

(From a sermon by Guerric of Igny, Cistercian Father; 

Monastic Lectionary for the Divine Office)