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The Nunc dimittis and Mary’s Seven Sorrows

In today’s Gospel, we hear one of the most beautiful canticles in all of Scripture, the Nunc dimittis.

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ—a word meaning anointed one. After holding Jesus, who was just 40 days old, Simeon said:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

In Latin, this passage is:

“Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace: Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum: Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.”

Hence, the name of the canticle is the “Nunc dimittis”—the prayer’s first two words in Latin.

Simeon then turns to Mary and says and you yourself a sword will pierce. Mary will not go unscathed by the world’s reaction to her son.

This is the first of the Seven Sorrows  (or Dolors) in the life of the Blessed Mother:

  1. The Prophecy of Simeon.
  2. The Flight into Egypt.
  3. The loss of the child Jesus in the Temple.
  4. Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary.
  5. Jesus dies on the cross.
  6. Mary’s receiving the body of Jesus in her arms.
  7. The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb.

In art, Mary is often depicted with seven swords pricing her heart.

seven sorrows

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Slide thumbnail9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, Florida 33138
Telephone: 305-762-1233 Facsimile: 305-757-3947Reverend Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, JCDImprimatur et Nihil ObstatArchbishop of MiamiGiven in Miami, Florida, on the 31st of August in the Year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two.This imprimatur is an official declaration that this text is free of doctrinal or moral error and may be published. No implication is contained therein that the one granting this imprimatur agrees with the contents, opinions or statements expressed by the author of the texts.Therefore, in accord with canon 824 of the Code of Canon Law, I grant the necessary approbatio for the publication of "Mass Explained."The book "Mass Explained" has been carefully reviewed and found free of anything which is contrary to the faith or morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church.by the grace of God and favor of the Apostolic See
Archbishop of MiamiTHOMAS G. WENSKIDecreeOffice of the ArchbishopARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI

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