Eucharistic Crusaders: Editorial

Editorial

The Easter Candle

“The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia!”

This is the joyful song of the Church that will sing in a few weeks. The joy will be expressed in words and by visible signs. You will see a big candle in the sanctuary, mounted on a high candlestick. This candle will be lighted at Mass, until the Feast of the Ascension.

Let me explain the meaning of the Easter Candle, which is blessed on Holy Saturday, during the Easter Vigil.

About 1500 years ago, there was no special function on Holy Saturday, but were sad when Jesus died. Then something began happening at the Basilica of St. John of Lateran, in Rome. Shortly before midnight, thousands of Christians and future Christians would gather for the whole night. Then, at dawn, at the hour when Jesus came out of the tomb, the catechumens received the grace of baptism, which made them children of God.

Because it was dark and cold outside, there used to be a bonfire lighted in the courtyard of the basilica. The bishop blessed that fire and Christians would come to light their small candle from it. One large and beautifully ornate candle was dipped in the baptismal fonts. This was a symbol to show how the power of baptismal water pours the light of grace into souls.

Today, the pure beeswax Easter Candle is lighted to the new fire. This means that we also should offer to Jesus a pure heart, inflamed with the love of God. We should strive to keep this renewed heart pure, so that it will be shining with the flame of the risen Christ.

These traditions of the Church have come to us from very long ago; it is important to understand that everything the priest does has great meaning and importance.

However, with Easter, let us not forget what came before the resurrection of Our Lord: He was condemned to death, and suffered a most cruel Passion. Why?

It was for us, to free us from the slavery of sin. This tells us how really bad sin is, that Jesus had to suffer so much to make up for it.

May you remember the word of St. Paul: “Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God: Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth. For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

With my priestly blessing,

Father Dominique Boulet

* On April21^st, I’ll say the monthly Mass for the intentions of the Eucharistic Crusade.

* Send all correspondence to:

Eucharistic Crusade
3012 – 37 Street
Vernon, BC
V1T 6G5

E-mail: EucharisticCrusade@sspx.ca

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