THE NUNC DIMITIS

The Canticle of Simeon (St. Luke 2:29-32) is known as the Nunc dimittis, from the first two words of the Latin translation of text (meaning “Now you dismiss”). It combines the quiet, intimate confidence of a humble and faithful servant of God with a bold and comprehensive summary of God’s purposes for all the world and for all of history. A final Gloria Patri, which is traditionally added):

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.

Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.