In this week’s Gospel passage, Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple to present Him to God according to the Old Mosaic law. In the Temple they meet the prophet Simeon and the prophetess, Anna. Simeon foretells the future suffering of Christ and Mary. In this lesson, students will encounter the prayer of Simeon in the life of the Church and in sacred music and consider how prayer lifts our minds and hearts to God.
The Presentation in the Temple | Year ABC
Lesson Overview
Upper Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsDirections
- Have your students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions. You may have students answer them on their own or you may discuss them together as a class.
- First, have your students read about the Nunc Dimittis from part 1. Next, have your student compare the Latin and English versions of Simeon’s prayer, the Nunc Dimittis. Help them try to match words from the English translation to the Latin text. Then, listen with your students to the recording of Palestrina’s Nunc Dimittis, which can be found at the following link: SophiaOnline.org/NuncDimittis. Have them try to follow along with the Latin text.
- When the recording is over, have your students work individually to complete the reflection questions in part 2. When finished, call on students to share and discuss their responses.
Answer Key
Focus Questions
- To the Temple in Jerusalem. It was written in the Law that “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord.”
- A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons
- Simeon was a righteous and devout man who was awaiting the Messiah—the “consolation of Israel.” The Spirit had revealed that he would not die before seeing the Messiah.
- He said “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” He was foretelling the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ and the suffering of Mary.
- Anna was a prophetess who worshipped in the Temple, praying and fasting day and night. When she saw Jesus “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Accept reasoned answers.
Nunc Dimittis
- Accept reasoned answers.
- Accept reasoned answers.
- Accept reasoned answers.
Lower Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsDirections
- Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along. Then discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
- Create a prayerful atmosphere. Then, play for your students the recording of Palestrina’s hymn, Nunc Dimittis, which can be found at the following link: SophiaOnline.org/NuncDimittis.
- When the recording is over, have your students work individually to respond to the Nunc Dimittis reflection question, or ask your students to share about the question orally. Have students share their answers with the class. Then lead a discussion on the different ways we can pray. Close the class by praying the Nunc Dimittis together (prayer provided). Read the prayer aloud once to your students as they follow along. Then, read it again slowly and have them say the words highlighted in red with you. Finally, have your students color the image of the Presentation.
Answer Key
Focus Questions
- To the Temple in Jerusalem. To present Jesus to the Lord.
- Simeon was a devout man who was waiting for the Messiah—for Jesus. The Spirit told him that he would see the Messiah before he died.
- He said “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted.” He was foretelling the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus.
- When Anna saw Jesus “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Accept reasoned answers
