Notes from the Pastor [5]
(Please note this is an archival post that is decades old. Msgr. Awalt passed away a number of years ago.)
Perhaps the most familiar object in our worship is the candle. It is a visual illustration of that familiar phrase from the Canon of the Mass, “All creation gives you praise,” The humble but hardworking bee contributes the wax. The wax is also the work of human hands as it is given wick and shape. The candle plays an important part early in our lives with the baptism of children. Once lit, it is presented to our godparents and through them to us as we are admonished to keep the Faith burning as the flame of the candle. Thus we become a reflection of the one who is the Light of the World. At the Eucharist we find candles near or on the altar. Long ago it was a practical necessity so that we could see. Now with electricity, it is essentially symbolic. The candle is consumed while giving off light. This action is analogous to ourselves being expended in the work of Christ.
The lighted vigil candle marks the real presence in our church where it is positioned near the tabernacle as a silent witness.
The candle dispels the darkness as it is greeted at the Easter Vigil services as the risen Christ, the Light of the World. All light their individual candles and spread the light, candle to candle, indicating that we are to transmit or share the Word of God. The Easter (Paschal) Candle is greeted in song as it enters the church. It symbolizes the risen Christ. It bears signs of the wounds from the crucified and risen Christ.
William J. Awalt
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