Since the Easter Sunday morning Vigil and Mass on April 4th, the Paschal (or Easter) Candle has been in a prominent place in our church and lit for all the major Offices (community prayers) and daily Mass.
Over these past weeks of being lit, the Easter candle has been reduced to about half its original height. It will continue to be near the altar and lit until the end of Pentecost Sunday on May 23rd. That day marks the end of the Easter Season (or Paschaltide) and we return to “Ordinary Time,” as it is called, in the Liturgical Year, on May 24th.
What is the significance of the Easter Candle? Primarily it is a reminder that Christ is our true Light, a Guide for our way, as is a candle in a dark space or used to illumine an obscure path. We are all pilgrims, on a journey to God’s House, and the Redeeming work of Christ is our sure and unending Light needed to reach our goal.
We have kept the Easter Candle decorated with flowers; first with Easter lilies, then with forsythia, then with irises and lilacs, and soon to come with peonies. Mother Nature has been in perfect sync with our floral needs.
Happy continuation of Easter to all and a promise of remembrance in our daily prayers.
Abbot Christian and the monks