February 2, 2003

This Sunday has sometimes been called CANDLEMAS because in many Churches candles are lit, blessed, and carried in a procession. Forty days after Christmas, we recognize that the Light of the World has to be consumed, like the wax of the candles we bless to produce such radiant brightness.

Have you ever noticed how Church candles burn? Unlike your candles at home, they leave no wax behind. They slowly get shorter and shorter until they have been completely consumed by the flame. That is because they are made of pure bees wax, which burns hot and bright with all the wax becoming fuel for the fire.

Today's candle ritual, like the Service of Light at the Easter Vigil, reminds us of the Light of the World, that dawned at Christmas. Simeon rightly recognized that Jesus, himself, would have to become like pure wax. His sacrificial death would fuel the flame that burns brightly as a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

The pure hot light that emanates from Christ both reveals and purifies. Like the flames that refine into pure gold, Christ's light burns away all that is impure or worthless in those who come close to the flame. The process may be painful and frightening. It may require sacrifice, but we are not alone. Jesus is able to help those who are being tested because he has walked through fire before us and lived.

SO THE QUESTION: WHICH IS MORE BEAUTIFUL TO YOU, A CANDLE THAT HAS BEEN PARTIALLY BURNED OR ONE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN LIT? WHY?

Click here to view the archive