Nunc Dimittis

BELLINI, Giovanni. Presentation at the Temple
1460-64. Tempera on wood. Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice.

Yesterday was the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. The Church saw fit to highlight this day of Christ's life for many reasons. For one, it underscores the reality that Christ was under "the Law", and not merely any law. Jesus lived a perfect life within the impossible constraints of the Hebraic Law.

The other reason why this episode of Christ's Presentation in the Temple is significant is the two characters that are highlighted in regards to this scene.

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.

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.

Notice, however, the grammar of the Latin, compared to that of the English. Notice the mood of the verb "dismiss." What is significant about this? Why does he state it in this manner? Such is the wisdom and profound beauty of this scene. Notice here that Rembrandt places himself within the drama. Why does he do this?

Agenda for Monday, February 3:

1. Pray
2. Latin for the Week: Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
1. "A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." - Luke II: 29-32
3. Grammar Ex: Pronoun Reference
4. Read the Tragedy of Saul: I Sam. 9-31
1. Take notes comparing to Macbeth!
5. Begin Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
6. Review HW:
1. Read Sir Gawain Stanzas 1-21. (Quiz tomorrow!)
2. Macbeth Presentations (2/12)
1. Read I Samuel
3. Study Grammar Notes. Quiz on Tuesday!
4. Be perfect.

Agenda for Tuesday, February 4:

1. Pray
2. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
1. Read intro in Omnibus
2. Read Sir Gawain together
3. Review HW:
1. Read Sir Gawain Stanzas 22-79. Quiz next week.  
2. Macbeth Presentations (2/12)
3. Study Grammar Notes. Quiz next week!
4. Be perfect.

Agenda for Wednesday, February 5:

1. Pray
2. Watch Macbeth
3. Review HW:
1. Read Sir Gawain Stanzas 22-79. Quiz next week.
2. Macbeth Presentations(2/12)
3. Study Grammar Notes on Pronoun Reference. Quiz next Tuesday!
4. Be perfect.

Agenda for Thursday, February 6:

1. Pray
2. Grammar Quiz: Pronoun Reference
3. Read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight!
4. Review HW:
1. Read Sir Gawain Stanzas 22-79. Quiz next week.
2. Macbeth Presentations(2/12)
3. Study Grammar Notes on Pronoun Reference. Quiz next Tuesday!
4. Be perfect.

Agenda for Friday, February 7:

1. Pray
2. Work on Revisions and Oral Presentations of Macbeth Essays
3. Read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight!
4. Review HW:
1. Read Sir Gawain Stanzas 22-79. Quiz next week.
2. Macbeth Presentations(2/12)
3. Study Grammar Notes on Pronoun Reference. Quiz next Tuesday!
4. Be perfect.