THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
2:31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
2:32. A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.
2:33. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.
2:34. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted.
For the fall, etc... Christ came for the salvation of all men; but here Simeon prophesies what would come to pass, that many through their own wilful blindness and obstinacy would not believe in Christ, nor receive his doctrine, which therefore would be ruin to them: but to others a resurrection, by their believing in him, and obeying his commandments.
2:35. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
2:36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.
2:37. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.
2:38. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
2:39. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.
2:40. And the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in him.
2:41. And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch.
2:42. And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,
2:43. And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not.
2:44. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.
2:45. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.
2:46. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.
2:47. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
2:48. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
2:49. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business?
2:50. And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.
2:51. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.
2:52. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.
Luke Chapter 3
John's mission and preaching. Christ is baptized by him.
3:1. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina:
3:2. Under the high priests Anna and Caiphas: the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.
3:3. And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins.
3:4. As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
3:5. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain.
3:6. And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
3:7. He said therefore to the multitudes that went forth to be baptized by him: Ye offspring of vipers, who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to come?
3:8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of penance: and do not begin to say, We have Abraham for our father. For I say unto you that God is able of these stones, to raise up children to Abraham.
3:9. For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire.
3:10. And the people asked him, saying: What then shall we do?
3:11. And he answering, said to them: He that hath two coats, let him give to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do in like manner.
3:12. And the publicans also came to be baptized and said to him: Master, what shall we do?
3:13. But he said to them: Do nothing more than that which is appointed you.
3:14. And the soldiers also asked him, saying: And what shall we do? And he said to them: Do violence to no man, neither calumniate any man; and be content with your pay.
3:15. And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ: