Reading of Malachi's prophecy – Thus says the Lord: 1Behold, I am sending my angel, and he will prepare the way for me; Soon the Dominator, whom you try to find, and the angel of the covenant, whom you desire, will arrive at his temple. Behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts; 2and who can stand up to him on the day of his arrival? And who can resist him when he appears? He is like the fire of the forge and like the washer's lye; 3and he will stand ready, as if to melt and purify silver: so he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will be able to make righteous offerings to the Lord. 4The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be acceptable to the Lord, as in the ancient times and in ancient years. - Word of the Lord. OR Reading of the letter to the Hebrews – Brothers, 14since children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also participated in the same condition, so as to destroy, with his death, him who had the power of death, that is, the devil , 15and free those who, for fear of death, were subject to slavery all their lives. 16For, after all, he did not come to occupy himself with the angels, but with the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore, he was to become like his brothers in every way, to become a merciful and trustworthy high priest in things pertaining to God, to atone for the sins of the people. 18For, having himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are now tempted. - Word of the Lord. Responsorial Psalm: 23(24) The king of glory is the omnipotent Lord! 1. “O doors, raise your pediments! † Raise yourselves much higher, ancient gates, / so that the king of glory may enter!” – R. 2. Tell us: “Who is this king of glory?” † “It is the Lord, the mighty, the omnipotent, / the Lord, the mighty in battle!” – R. 3. “O doors, raise your pediments! † Raise yourselves much higher, ancient gates, / so that the king of glory may enter!” – R. 4. Tell us: “Who is this king of glory?” † “The king of glory is the omnipotent Lord, / the king of glory is the Lord God of the universe.” – R. Gospel: Luke 2,22-40 or 22-32 [The short form is in brackets.] Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. You are the light that will shine for the Gentiles / and for the glory of Israel, your people (Luke 2:32). – R. Proclamation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke – [22When the days were complete for the purification of the mother and child, according to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, 23as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male must be consecrated to the Lord.” 24They also went to offer the sacrifice – a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons –, as is commanded in the Law of the Lord. 25In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon, who was righteous and pious and hoped for the consolation of the people of Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him 26 and had announced to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah who comes from the Lord. 27Moved by the Spirit, Simeon came to the temple. When the parents brought the baby Jesus to fulfill what the Law commanded, 28Simeon took the boy in his arms and blessed God: 29“Now, Lord, according to your promise, you can let your servant go in peace; 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared before all peoples: 32a light to enlighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”] 33Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what they said about him. 34Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, the mother of Jesus: “This child will be the cause of both the fall and the rise of many in Israel. It will be a sign of contradiction. 35In this way the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. As for you, a sword will pierce your soul.” 36There was also a prophetess named Hannah, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was of very advanced age; When she was young, she had been married and lived with her husband for seven years. 37Then she became a widow and was now eighty-four years old. She did not leave the temple, day and night serving God with fasting and prayers. 38Anna arrived at that moment and began praising God and talking about the boy to all who were waiting for the liberation of Jerusalem. 39After they had fulfilled everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to Nazareth, their city. 40The boy grew and became strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was with him. – Word of salvation.
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