Why do we use candles? Perhaps the most familiar object in our worship is the candle. It is expressive of that familiar phrase in the Canon of the Mass, “All creation gives you praise.” The bee helped contribute to the wax. The wax is also the work of human hands as it is fashioned, given shape and a wick. The candle is presented early on in our life. As a light burning brightly, it is presented to our godparents and through them to us. We are exhorted to keep our faith burning as the flame of the candle. Thus, we become a reflection of the Light of the World. The candle is found on the altar, too. There may only be two but sometimes as many as six. Long ago it was necessary so that we could see. Now with electricity, it is largely symbolic as it is consumed while giving off light, representative of our expending ourselves for the work of Christ. The lighted candle marks the real presence in our churches by the tabernacle as it stands as a silent sentinel or witness to the real presence in the Eucharist. The candle dispels the darkness as it is greeted as symbolic of the risen Christ, the Light of the World, during the Easter Vigil service. All light their individual candles and spread the light— candle to candle— indicating that we are to spread the Word of God. The Easter or Paschal candle is greeted in song as it signifies the risen Christ, bearing the sign of our crucified and risen Christ’s sacred wounds.
Filed under: Awalt Papers |
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