Lighting the paschal candle from the Easter fire is always a tricky business. It might rain. A strong wind may blow it out. The wick may burn quickly but not melt the wax. The heat of the fire will make it difficult. There is always relief when the lighted candle is carried into the safety and protection of the church.
This most wonderful night celebrates newness, transformation and the growth of the Church. From the setting of the sun in the Pacific Islands, across Australia, to China, Korea and then the Indian subcontinent, through Africa and Europe towards the Americas, this light has spread and the hope of Christ’s resurrection has dispelled fear. Christians persecuted in many countries are renewed and strengthened by the victory of Christ over suffering, death and evil. The light of each candle offers God’s holy people the hope that good will triumph over evil, hope over despair, justice over oppression and peace over division. As we celebrate the baptism of new Christians into the Church and receive other Christians into full communion, we are reminded of the adventure of being follower of Jesus Christ and the promise that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son so that those who believe in Him will inherit the promise of eternal life. Jesus as the fragile light is carried into the Church, so it is a reminder that we are called to nurture those people whose faith is faltering and reach out to those who have wandered away from the practice of the faith. We are called to reach out to those in need.