Liturgy Lesson for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity: The Real Presence
November 7, 2010
We are sometimes asked about the Altar Lamp, also called an Aumbry or Presence Lamp, a red beeswax candle lamp that burns perpetually on the Gospel side of our front parish wall near the Holy Table and facing the nave (where the people sit for worship). This light burns in honor of the Real Presence of our Lord, manifested by His Spirit in the reserve sacrament stored inside the tabernacle—the small, ornate box in the center of the Table. This red light remembers His Blood shed, that He is the Light of the World, and recalls the tongues of fire the Holy Ghost brought on the Church’s birthday at Pentecost. The only time we don’t have this lamp burning there is during Lent, when the reserve sacrament is removed during the Holy Week, after the altar is stripped in observance of our Lord’s Passion during Maundy Thursday evening worship. At that time, the reserve sacrament and altar lamp are moved together in a special and deeply-moving procession to an altar of repose where His faithful stand vigil around the clock until it is returned to the tabernacle, just prior to Easter Sunday’s Resurrection celebration. If you notice the lamp has gone out, tell the Altar Guild or clergy immediately, in order to re-light it. Our use of this, and candles of all kinds, links us with the ancient Church and its holy worship—reminding us of a time when the Church had to meet in secret, usually at night, to avoid persecution. We use beeswax—a sweet-smelling and expensive fuel, according to the ancient custom of only burning it for the most significant occasions and/or to honor very important visitors—in this case, the King of Kings! As with all our practice, this is derived from Scripture—notably, Ex 25:30; 35:13-15; Lev 24:1-3; St. John 1:5; 6:58 and 2 Cor 4:6. We honor Your Presence, Lord!
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