In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
When you have come to church on Sunday, have you ever noticed the red candle lit near the small altar in St. Mary’s Chapel? This candle is called the sanctuary lamp, and it keeps its quiet vigil just outside the wooden tabernacle upon the altar. When the lamp is lit, it is a sign that the Body and Blood of Jesus are present in that tabernacle – the light shines to show that the consecrated bread and wine from the Eucharist have been set aside and given a special place within the church.
There are several reasons throughout history why some of the Sacrament is reserved. Often, it is kept safe for those who might be ill or otherwise unable to come to church on Sunday. It is also a rich blessing for the church building itself, and I take great comfort in knowing that Jesus is present in our worship space in this particular sacramental way. Sometimes sanctuary lamps are red, sometimes they are white or clear, but if you visit a church that celebrates the Eucharist anywhere in the world, you are likely to find a light shining in the building near a tabernacle to remind us of the presence of Jesus.
During the second World War, priests across London feared for their lives as bombings ravaged their city. Even as their congregations could not always meet for Mass together, the priests and maintenance workers kept their sanctuary lamps burning strong. In some parts of Eastern Europe in the 1970s and 1980s, Christian churches were forbidden from even existing, but faithful people kept sanctuary lamps illuminated in secret. And today, as difficult, often fearful circumstances demand our distance from our own beloved church building, it is my great gift to tell you:
the sanctuary lamp at All Saints Church still burns bright.
I came by the church the other day to pick up some books from my office and to pray a bit before the Sacrament in the tabernacle. I noticed the lamp had burnt out, but of course our faithful Altar Guild had set out another one in the sacristy, all ready to go. As I lit that new lamp, I prayed for every single member of our parish family, and as I placed the light alongside the altar, I knew in the depths of my heart that Jesus received those prayers with joy.
Of course we do not need a candle or lamp to remind us of the presence of Jesus Christ. He is the True Light, after all. As St. John assures us, the darkness will never overcome it. But we are earthly creatures, and earthly signs can bring us great hope. While we may be away during this time, that little lamp alongside the St. Mary's altar gently brightens the sanctuary that will soon hold our prayers again. Through it all, the light of our faith still shines radiantly in the darkness.
With you in the Light of Christ,
Mtr. Brit
