The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple

Pictured above: Detail from The Presentation of the Temple by Philippe de Champaigne.1648. Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels.

Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the temple in accord with Jewish law. The virtue of obedience is associated with this mystery.

1. When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought him up to Jerusalem so that he could be presented to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)
   
   
2. They came to offer in sacrifice "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord. (Luke 2:24)
   
   
3. There lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon. He was just and pious, and awaited the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death until he had seen the Anointed of the Lord. (Luke 2:25–26)
   
   
4. [Simeon] came to the temple now, inspired by the Spirit; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him the customary ritual of the law, he took him in his arms and blessed God. (Luke 2:27–28)
   
   
5. "Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace; you have fulfilled your word. For my eyes have witnessed your saving deed displayed for all the peoples to see: A revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of your people Israel."
   (Luke 2:28-32)
   
   
6. Simeon said to Mary his mother: "This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed – and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare."
   (Luke 2:34–35)
   
   
7. Astrologers from the east arrived one day in Jerusalem inquiring, "Where is the king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage." (Matthew 2:1–2)
   
   
8. The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house, found the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9–11)
   
   
9. An angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the command: "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt." (Matthew 2:12)
   
   
10. [Herod] ordered the massacre of all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its environs. (Matthew 2:16)

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