The day of Mary’s Purification

It was thus prophesied of old: “Mother Sion says: And a man was made man in her; and the Highest himself has founded her."

O almighty power of a newborn child! O magnificence coming down from heaven to earth! He is still being carried in the womb, and is saluted by John the Baptist from the womb of his mother; is presented in the temple, and is recognized by Simeon, an old man, famous and full of years, proved and crowned. First he recognized, then he adored, then he said: “Now dismiss your servant, O Lord, in peace; because my eyes have seen your salvation.” He delayed his going from the world, that he might see him born, he by whom the world was made… It had been said to him by the Lord that he would not taste death before he had seen Christ born of the Lord.

Christ was born, and in the old age of the world the desire of the old man was fulfilled.

He who found a world broken with age came to an aged man.

He would not indeed stay longer in this world, and in this world he desired to see Christ, singing and saying with the prophet: “Show us, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.” And lastly, that thus you should know it to be his joy, he says: “Now dismiss your servant in peace—for my eyes have seen your salvation.”

Saint Augustine

Homily on the Presentation of the Lord