“Candles and Their Use in the Sacred Liturgy”
The use of candles in Catholic liturgy can best be understood in the context of Christ declaring himself to be the light of the world (Jn. 8:12) and promising that no follower of his will ever walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Candles with which we adorn our churches and our altars are a sign both of life and of truth. When one is baptized, the celebrant lights the baptismal candle from the paschal candle, and as he gives it to a member of the family he says: “Receive the light of Christ.” He then encourages the parents and godparents to keep that light burning brightly so that the newly-baptized may walk always as a child of the light.
Symbolically, therefore, candles give forth light and remind us of Christ’s definitive victory of light over darkness. The Lord who is the light of the world has put an end to the rule of the evil one, the prince of darkness. Holiness and not sin has triumphed. But candles are consumed as they give forth light and warmth. Christ himself was consumed as a sacrifice as he showed himself to be the light of the world, even to the point of giving all he had and all he was on the cross. It can hardly be different for Christians whom the Lord calls the light of the world (Mt. 5:14). As they give forth light and warmth, they will be consumed as was their Lord. Light, truth, life, and the cross all go together—for the Lord and for us.
Source: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA
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