The scene is set. A church becomes the backdrop of some TV drama. A character appears from the shadows. They are surrounded by a staggering number of candles burning brightly on a variety of chandeliers imported for the occasion. Hundreds of people have obviously passed through the church doors that day. The votive stands are ablaze.
We light candles in churches, of course, although not in the number or ways portrayed by film sets. Our liturgical space is far more subtly lit. We don’t need to import a gothic atmosphere or create an air of suspense.
For some weeks now, though, one candle in particular has had a special pride of place in our churches, remaining lit throughout the fifty days of Easter. It stands alone, a pillar of light.
The Paschal Candle was blessed and lit as we gathered in darkness for the Easter Vigil. “Let it mingle with the lights of heaven” go the words of the Easter Proclamation sung by the deacon or priest.
A change of scenery
But, a change of scenery will come in the coming weeks. At the end of Pentecost Sunday (May 19) the Candle is extinguished and moved to the Font, setting the scene for the rest of the year.
The candle will be relit for two different kinds of occasions of birth and death.
When we celebrate the birth of Baptism during the year, the candle will provide the light for the Baptismal Candle cradled in the hands of the newly baptised. “Receive the light of Christ,” they are told. “Walk in the light and keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts.”
Placing the candle at the font does not necessarily wrap up Easter, although it does mark the end of those great fifty days. “We are an Easter people and Alleuia is our song!”’proclaimed St Augustine.
Every Sunday is a little Easter. And every baptism is a dying and rising with Christ, a sharing in the Mystery celebrated at Easter.
At funerals, the scene changes again, and the candle is placed near the coffin, a subtle sign that we share in Christ’s risen life. “You are made to live with God for ever,” said St John Paul II to a large gathering of young people in Milan. That is our hope. That is our destiny.
The Paschal Candle nudges us in our grief to see beyond the pain of death to the promise of eternal life.
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus. As Mary, the Apostles and others waited in prayer, they had obeyed the command of Jesus to “stay in the city” and wait for the Promise from on High.
Now, filled with the Spirit, their world is shaken, their hearts are moved. Transformed, they are stirred into action, confident to move beyond the confines of that first-floor room into the street and then further afield, far and wide.
The scene is set for us to follow in their footsteps, to emerge from the shadows into the light of day, to “walk in the light and keep the flame of faith alive in our hearts that when the Lord comes we may be ready to greet him.”
We celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 19 May with Mass at the usual times in the morning. In the evening, we have our celebration for young people, OMG! at 6pm which includes a time of worship followed by pizza. Find out more here:
South Cardiff Ministry Area 