The aged arms of the feeble old priest embraced the Child, and all turned to enter the building. Simeon bore the weight of the Creator of heaven and earth, yet stood erect, strengthened and consoled. The advent of that Child must have given the old man a manifestation of the greatness and the glory of heaven, and unspeakable joy must have shone forth from his countenance. Then old Simeon remembered the revelation which he had received from the Holy Spirit: that he would not see death until he had held in his arms the anointed of the Lord; and now he bears Him, a feeble child. He finds it hard to return that precious burden to Mary, who stands there with motherly solicitude, yearning to receive back again her beloved Child. But the flood‐gates of thanks to almighty God have been opened, and Simeon’s heart and lips break forth in a most sublime and prophetic song. Zachary sang his _Benedictus_ at the circumcision of St. John; Mary sang her _Magnificat_ at Elizabeth’s home, and now Simeon pours forth his soul in a sublime prayer: “Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace: because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Prayer. O Heart of Mary, I offer, etc., etc. Fourth Day. But now he changes his words of joy into a sorrowful prophecy; the aged priest proceeds, “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted: and thy own soul a sword shall pierce that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.” Mary was silent, but a cloud of fear for the future passed over her, as Simeon foretold all that was to afflict her. This was her first sorrow: to be told that her Child was to be set for the fall and redemption of many. A sea of trouble flooded the soul of Mary; it seemed as if Jesus Himself was causing that sorrow, and sent it directly into her heart. But Mary was brave, as she was through all her sorrows; there was no change in her. The Light of the world had burst out, in the arms of Simeon, and then followed a dreadful darkness. Suddenly Mary found herself far from the joys of Bethlehem in the darkness of Golgotha, but she was just as resigned in her sorrow as she was content in her joy. Mary understood now that the life of her divine Son was to be a constant martyrdom, and that the end of it would be the death on the cross. Prayer. O Heart of Mary, I offer, etc., etc. Fifth Day.