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Hello Pater. Could you pls tell me/us Why do we light a candle?
Answer to Question 475 There are many symbolisms associated with lighting a candle or vigil lamp (kantilla) according to where and why we light them. In all cases the first explanation must be that the flame represents Christ who is the light of the world (John 8:12) who illuminates our souls. Lighting a vigil lamp at a grave also represents the light of Christ shining and leading the way for the departed souls to find their way to paradise through the darkness of death.
Lighting a candle or vigil lamp is at the same time a prayer offered on someone’s behalf. For a candle we say that as the wax melts so also may the sins committed by someone be dissolved. For a vigil lamp we have a play with the Greek word for oil and mercy which although spelt differently sound exactly the same. Ἐλαιος means oil and Έλεος means mercy and we say that as the Ἐλαιος (oil) burns may the Lord’s Έλεος (mercy) be upon those for whom the lamp was lit.
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