When we hear the words ‘Groundhog Day’ or ‘the Savior,’ we probably think of the ceremony of blessing candles. We then take the candles home to protect ourselves from danger — if we light a candle when we are afraid of something, nothing can happen to us. This belief combines two contradictory ideas: that a candle will protect us from evil. The candle itself cannot do it, but the One it represents can: our Savior, Jesus Christ. St Paul beautifully summarizes what Jesus is for us: a sibling, a liberator from evil, and a high priest in our affairs with God; he knows our temptations and can help us.
A burning candle is supposed to remind us of all this and even more. With its fire, it represents four wonderful qualities of the Lord Jesus.
Firstly, fire is a source of light. Jesus shines into our lives through His words and example. The darkness of the world will never overcome Him because He said, “I am with you until the end of the world.” ‘I will be with you until the end of time.’
Secondly, fire is a source of power. The powerful engines of all earthly vehicles, including ships, aeroplanes and space rockets, are fuelled by fire. In the same way, our power in spiritual life comes from the Lord Jesus. He said, “Airplanes, you can do nothing.” Only those who abide in me and I in them will bear much fruit.’ This is why the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ The source of all power is the Holy Spirit.
Third: Fire is a source of warmth. Jesus tells us: “Abide in my love… that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
In addition to these three properties of fire, let us recall the fourth, most beautiful property of a burning candle. She serves people so intensely that she keeps getting smaller; she burns herself; she sacrifices herself. In the same way, the Lord Jesus sacrificed his life for us out of love. After all, before his death he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” And at the Last Supper is my body which is given for you.” And “this is the cup of my blood which is shed for you.”
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These four qualities are like burning candles. They remind us that the Lord Jesus is our light, our strength, and our love — a love so great that he sacrificed his life for us. From this reflection, we can create a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus in our hearts. Each of us can say at this moment: ‘You are my light, my strength and my love. You sacrificed your life for me. Strengthen me to love you more and more, and to become more and more like you.’ Let the trustworthy Saviour take care of everything. Wexcellent,orry about something.
