St. Luke's Church and Parish Centre
Church of England Parish of Stone Cross with North Langney, Eastbourne

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This Sunday's Parish Mass Readings

Page last updated 30-Jan-12

The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)

First Reading (Malachi 3. 1-4)

I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Psalm 24. 7-10

R "Who is the King of Glory? It is the Lord"

O Gates lift high your heads; Grow higher ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory. R

Who is the king of glory? The Lord mighty, the valiant, The Lord, the valiant in war. R

O Gates lift high your heads; Grow higher ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory. R

Who is the king of glory? He the Lord of armies He is the king of glory. R

Second Reading (Hebrews 2. 14-18)

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, He himself shared the same things, so that through death, he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those, who, all their lives, were held in slavery by the fear of death. He became like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be merciful and faithful in the service of God. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Gospel (Luke 2. 22-40)

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, 'This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

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