Dear Friends,


I thought that I would use this week's letter to do a little refresher course with regard to the Liturgy. For the past few weeks, you probably have noticed that there is a very large candle in the sanctuary that we have been lighting, and will continue to light, until Pentecost. Like many things, it is one of those articles we are accustomed to seeing in church, but the meaning of which remains somewhat of a mystery to many a person sitting in the pew. This candle, prominently placed in the sanctuary during the Easter Season, is the Paschal Candle.

The Paschal Candle is a monumental candle that stands next to the Ambo (otherwise known as the pulpit) throughout the Easter season, and then is placed next to the baptismal font for the remainder of the Church year. It is lit at all baptisms and typically at funerals. It is also known by some as the "Easter Candle".

Candles are always significant for many reasons. First of all, they represent Christ, the Light of the World. When lit, candles give off light and so they are symbolic of Christ's light, which chases away darkness. Light always overcomes darkness. Therefore, the candle makes an apt symbol of Christ since the power of darkness and sin can never overcome him.

The other notable feature of a candle is that it melts as it burns. In a sense, it expends itself to give off light. Likewise, Christ spent himself for us by offering His life on the cross. He sacrificed himself so that we might be saved from our sinfulness. The Paschal Candle then, is a symbol of Christ who brings the light of His Truth into the world through His resurrection.

The Paschal Candle is decorated with various symbols. During the Easter Vigil, five grains of incense are inserted and fastened to the candle by five wax "nails". The wax nails are reminiscent of the nails that fastened Jesus to the cross and the grains of incense represent the five wounds suffered by Jesus.

The candle is also decorated with a cross and the Greek letters "Alpha" and "Omega". At the Easter Vigil, the priest traces the cross and these letters while proclaiming Jesus "yesterday and today" and that he is the beginning and end of all things. Also on the candle are numbers for the current year, which signify that all time and all ages belong to him. This candle is then used to bless the Easter water that is used for baptisms.

The Paschal Candle is, therefore, fitting for the Easter theme. When you see it lit week after week, let it remind you that Christ is indeed, the Lord of all things and that he conquers death and sin for he is our Light!

This weekend, the Gospel speaks of Christ as the Good Shepherd. He never abandons those who follow him. Let’s all let him guide us into his Kingdom where we experience light and joy! God bless!

  

Fr. Paul