Candlemas – February Clergy Reflection
This weekend the church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas.
This is a really poignant moment in the Christian story: the baby Jesus is brought into the temple, where he is seen by Simeon and Anna, who recognise him as the messiah they have awaited.
Simeon’s song – popularly known as the Nunc Dimittis – is said or sung every day in the church as part of the evening office. It’s also often still said or sung at funerals. Here is in the traditional form:
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.”
Decades ago a wise spiritual guide encouraged me to recite this prayer slowly every night, noticing those situations in which I had glimpsed God’s activity during the day that was drawing to an end, and thereby allowing myself to let go of the day with confidence and gratitude.
My guide told me that if I practised this every day, I would be ready, ultimately, to pray the prayer at the end of my life, and with Simeon depart in peace. I confess that although I still say or hear this prayer most days, I don’t always manage to practice the spiritual discipline my guide recommended; but when I do, I end the day deeply aware of the grace and the goodness that surrounds me.
As we approach this very special moment in the church year, I invite you to try out my guide’s advice: notice at the end of your day where you have seen God active in your life and in the world around you, and join with Simeon in rejoicing as you let go into the restfulness of the night.
