Since the examen serves as the night prayer of Jesuits, I did not develop the habit of praying the Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. But I recently realized how beautiful a prayer it is, especially the canticle of Simeon, which he recited (or sang) upon receiving the baby Jesus in his arms when the latter was presented in the temple:
Lord, let your servant go in peace
For your Word has been fulfilled.
My eyes have seen the salvation
you have promised to your all peoples,
a light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
How consoling is the thought that at the end of each day, we can indeed pray wholeheartedly this song of Simeon. Or at least, as a reminder that each night we close our eyes, we might not be able to open it again, that is, in this world. That would not be a frightening thought if and only if we are ready to face the Lord the next time we open our eyes... in the next life.
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