THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE
Why do we light up candles in the liturgy?
Since the very beginning of the Church, candles have been used as part of the liturgical celebrations. Generally, candles were often used in lighting up the dim churches and to act as decorations especially to the altars. As liturgy developed, the use of candles became obligatory during Holy Mass in the 17th century.
With the institution of terbenacle, a sanctuary lamp representing the presence of Christ in the reposed Eucharist keeps burning. In this way, candles in the liturgy represent Christ who is the light of the world. During Easter, the Paschal Candle gathers special attention as it is lit throughout the season’s liturgical celebrations.
The Paschal Candle which is usually adorned with special symbols in front of a large fire at the beginning of the ceremony of the Easter Vigil invites Christians to be drawn deeper into the mystery of their faith (Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again). The Paschal Candle represents a new beginning which in the opening words of the Exsultet the deacon proclaim Christ’s victory over death. “Therefore, dearest friends, standing in the awesome glory of this holy light, invoke with me, I ask you, the mercy of God almighty, that he, who has been pleased to number me, though unworthy, among the Levites, may pour into me his light unshadowed, that I may sing this candle’s perfect praises.”
In praises, the symbols which include the five grains of incense representing the five wounds of our Lord are placed in the candle in the form of a cross; the other symbols include Alpha and Omega, reminding us that Christ is the beginning and the end, and lastly the inscription of the current year.
The Paschal Candle becomes a significant part of the liturgical celebrtaion from Easter vigil till Pentecost Sunday. The candle is placed near the pulpit where it is lit during all liturgies. Once the Easter season is over, the paschal candle is placed next to the baptisimal font since it is tied to our baptism. During baptism, we receive the light of Christ from the Paschal Candle as the priest says, “receive the light of Christ”. The Paschal Candle becomes our companion in the Christian journey when we are born into new creatures in baptism, when we renew our Christian commitment during Easter every year, and at the end of our earthly journey when it is placed next to the coffin during the funeral Mass..
