Liturgical Information
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Themes & Motives: light, splendor, glory, meeting Christ

Blessing of Candles & Procession

Greeting:
Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.

United by the Spirit, may we now go to the house of God to welcome Christ the Lord. There we shall recognize him in the breaking of the bread until he comes again in glory.

Blessing of Candles:
Let us pray.
God our Father, source of all light,
today you revealed to Simeon
your Light of revelation to the nations.
Bless + these candles and make them holy.
May we who carry them to praise your glory
walk in the path of goodness
and come to the light that shines for ever.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Procession:
Let us go to meet the Lord.

Antiphon: Christ is the light of the nations; and the glory of Israel his people.

Now, Lord, you have kept your word:
let your servant go in peace.

Antiphon: Christ is the light of the nations; and the glory of Israel his people.

With my own eyes I have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

Antiphon: Christ is the light of the nations; and the glory of Israel his people.

A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.

Antiphon: Christ is the light of the nations; and the glory of Israel his people.

Mass

Opening Prayer:
All powerful Father,
Christ your Son became man for us
and was presented in the temple.
May he free our hearts from sin
and bring us into your presence.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Malachi 3:1-4 [And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple. /v.1]
• Psalm 24:7 / 8 / 9 / 10 [R. Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord. v.8]
• Hebrews 2:14-18 [He had to be made like His brethren in all things. /v.17]
• Gospel Verse: Luke 2:32 [A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.]
• Luke 2:22-40 [For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. /v.30]

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
accept the gifts your Church offers you with joy,
since in fulfillment of your will
your Son offered himself as a lamb without blemish
for the life of the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preface of the Presentation of the Lord: [The Mystery of the Presentation of the Lord]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Today your Son,
who shares your eternal splendor,
was presented in the temple,
and revealed by the Spirit
as the glory of Israel
and the light of all peoples.

Our hearts are joyful,
for we have seen your salvation,
and now with the angels and the saints
we praise you for ever:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
With my own eyes I have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations. (Luke 2:30-31)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
you fulfilled the hope of Simeon,
who did not die
until he had been privileged to welcome the Messiah.
May this communion perfect your grace in us
and prepare us to meet Christ
when he comes to bring us into everlasting life,
for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.