These meditations are intended for before, during or after the celebration of Holy Eucharist and are meant to enhance and deepen our participation in the liturgy through prayerful and mindful reflection on various aspects of the worship experience.
Candles
Usually as we enter the church, perhaps in the narthex, or transcept, but most definitely on or about the altar is light, usually in the form of candles. Some churches offer the opportunity of lighting a votive candle usually near the back of the church most often in symbolic conjunction with one or more prayer intentions. While the original use of candles and sometimes torches was partially utilitarian (there was no electricity), the primary purpose of candles and other natural light sources was spiritual symbol. Eusebius of Caesaria records that during the paschal vigil such a quantity of candles were lit by the faithful that the night itself became as day.
Candles, often taken for granted, importantly represent, most especially the light of Christ. "Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12). From the earliest days of Christianity the most important candle was the pascal candle derived from the Lucernarium, the evening office with which early Christians began the vigil for every Sunday and especially that of Easter. In the 2nd Century, Tertullian wrote: "We never hold a service without candles, yet we use them not just to dispel night's gloom we also hold our services in daylight but in order to represent by this Christ, the Uncreated Light, without Worn we would in broad daylight wander as if lost in darkness [Works, 3rd ed., Kiev, 1915, p.76].
Besides representing the light of Christ which illumines our hearts and minds--especially in the practice of worship--the burning candle represents the entire life of the communion of the faithful, from birth to death and then life beyond in the communion of saints. It both stands for the inner flame of love for and devotion to God and the love-unity of his people in communion with him and one another. Moreover, the pure wax of the candle may, as Simeon of Thessalonica noted, symbolize purity and chastity, both imputed and desired, of those who offer it.
The smoke which arises from the candle, as with liturgical incense, represents the prayer of the people of God. As the Psalmist prays: "Let my prayer rise as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" we too can use liturgical candles as a symbol of our prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition.
So as we attend and participate in the Eucharistic liturgy, let us not miss the opportunities to use candles as sacramentals to enhance the beauty of the liturgy and as symbols of both our faith and practice as individuals and communal members of the family of God.
For reflection:
1. How might lighting a candle at church or at home, or even at the office, enhance my spiritual communion?
2. As I gaze on the symbolic, lit candle, how is Christ present as light in my life and in the communion of Eucharistic worshippers? In my family? In my profession? In my ministry?
3. How is the purity of the burning candle reflective of my own striving for holiness?
4. How do altar candles help me appreciate the reality of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? In my daily living?
5. Might lighting a candle during my private, prayer practice enhance communion with God?
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Besides representing the light of Christ which illumines our hearts and minds--especially in the practice of worship--the burning candle represents the entire life of the communion of the faithful, from birth to death and then life beyond in the communion of saints. It both stands for the inner flame of love for and devotion to God and the love-unity of his people in communion with him and one another. Moreover, the pure wax of the candle may, as Simeon of Thessalonica noted, symbolize purity and chastity, both imputed and desired, of those who offer it.
The smoke which arises from the candle, as with liturgical incense, represents the prayer of the people of God. As the Psalmist prays: "Let my prayer rise as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" we too can use liturgical candles as a symbol of our prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition.
So as we attend and participate in the Eucharistic liturgy, let us not miss the opportunities to use candles as sacramentals to enhance the beauty of the liturgy and as symbols of both our faith and practice as individuals and communal members of the family of God.
For reflection:
1. How might lighting a candle at church or at home, or even at the office, enhance my spiritual communion?
2. As I gaze on the symbolic, lit candle, how is Christ present as light in my life and in the communion of Eucharistic worshippers? In my family? In my profession? In my ministry?
3. How is the purity of the burning candle reflective of my own striving for holiness?
4. How do altar candles help me appreciate the reality of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist? In my daily living?
5. Might lighting a candle during my private, prayer practice enhance communion with God?
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..and....
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