Vicariate of Kuwait: The Paschal Candle

Reflections for the Easter Season. Vicariate Apostolic of Kuwait. All Rights Reserved.

THE PASCHAL CANDLE ...

The Paschal Candle represents Christ, the Light of the world.
The lighting of the Paschal Candle is one of the central ceremonies in the Easter Vigil which is the service that takes place on Easter Eve. When the Vigil begins, the church is dark, symbolic of the darkness of the sepulcher that held the crucified Christ. A new fire is kindled, and the first candle to be lit from this sacred flame is the Paschal Candle. It is a representation of the light of Christ come into the world which symbolises the resurrection of Jesus, the power of the light (Jesus) who overcame the darkness (death). The Paschal Candle is traditionally the one from which all other lights are taken. It is also used at Baptisms to light the candles given to those who are baptised to represent the light of Christ.
As the Paschal Candle is lit a special chant called the the Exsultet (Easter proclamation) is sung. This magnificent hymn, which is remarkable for its lyric beauty and profound symbolism, announces the dignity and meaning of the mystery of Easter.
Traditionally, before lighting the candle from the new fire, the candle is inscribed with a cross, an alpha and omega, and the current year. This reinforces the point that Christ is present among us now and throughout eternity. "Christ, Yesterday and Today, the Beginning and the End, Alpha and Omega. Five grains of incense are inserted into the cross representing the five wounds of Christ.
Throughout the fifty days of Easter, the Paschal Candle traditionally stands near the altar as a symbol of the resurrection. It is lighted for each liturgy during the great fifty days of Easter. (Easter is not over until Pentecost, the fiftieth day!)

THE BAPTISMAL PROMISES ...

On Easter Day, we are able to renew once again our own baptismal promises ... introduced by some words on the part of the celebrating priest, after which, the priest sprinkles the people with water - thus recalling to them the baptism they have received.
V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
PRAYER
God of mercy, You wash away our sins in water,
You give us a new birth in the Spirit, and redeem
us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate Christ's
resurrection, increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew Your gift of life within us. We ask this through
our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Picture of the Candle: copyright 1996 Thomas Scharbach. All Rights Reserved.
Used with permission

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