Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Sanctuary Lamp

"Command the children of Israel that they bring thee the purest oil of the olives . . . that a lamp may burn always, in the tabernacle of the testimony." Exodus, 27:20.

In one of the wild wastelands of Arizona some years ago there stood a tiny cabin. In it lived a man who was a friend of man. His well contained the only drinkable water for miles around. Every night this friendly fellow would light a lantern and hang it high on a post before this door, just in case someone needed water.

"Why such waste of time and oil and energy?" people wondered as they journeyed by.

One sizzling summer night, however, there was a feeble knock at the cabin door. The owner opened to find a traveler near exhaustion for want of water. From far away the man had caught sight of the lantern. With what strength remained he had struggled toward the light and to the life-giving liquid that let him live.

Nineteen hundred years ago at a certain Last Supper in a second- story room the greatest Friend man ever had lighted a lamp whose flame has been caught up and carried around the world. That lamp was to lead men to an exhaustless well of spiritual help and blessing--the Holy Eucharist. Wandering through the wastelands of the world, men, seeing that light, the light of the sanctuary lamp, know that there they will find strength and refreshment for the journey. There the Giver and the Gift are one.

For almost twenty centuries that light has been burning. Mother Church did not always require a light before the altar where Christ was tabernacled, but always the symbolism and deep religious meaning of the light was evident--it stood for Christ. Where was Christ? In the tabernacle. What could be more significant of that Presence than the sanctuary lamp?

Here is a sacramental of the Church which has inspired glorious prose and uplifting poetry. Here is a sacramental that has led many a soul-thirsty wayfarer to the richest source of spiritual help. Here is a sacramental that has consoled the sad, spurred the discouraged, lifted the sinful, and encouraged the virtuous. Here is a sacramental that deserves particular attention because it stands sentinel beside the dwelling of the Divine Guest in our parish church. Here is a sacramental that should be especially attractive to one who loves his parish church, and loves the One who makes His home there. That sanctuary lamp represents Christ, the Light of the world, who has told us:

"I am the light of the world. He who follows me does not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." St. John, 8:12.

Mother Church demands that a lamp burn perpetually before the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is preserved. Never, neither day nor night, may that light remain extinguished. It is kept there in imitation of the perpetual fire which God ordered to burn always upon the altar. (Lev. 6:13). It is a perpetuation, with richer meaning, of the lamp which God commanded to be kept burning at all times. (Exod. 27:21). It is not only an ornament; it is a means of worship. It is a mark of honor, a reminder, living, loving and inspiring, of the presence of Christ. This sanctuary lamp is so important that Mother Church has very definite rules regarding it.

One rule is that, if the income of the church permits, more than one light should burn before the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, but always in uneven numbers, like three, five, seven or more. In most churches there is only one. Usually the lamp is suspended from the ceiling by a chain or rope, or it is hung from a bracket or placed in a bracket beside the altar. Any kind of durable material may be used for the lamp.

Because of its rich meaning olive oil is prescribed for this altar light. Olive oil is a symbol of purity, peace, and godliness. Where, more than in the presence of Christ, do we find the strength for purity, the breath of peace, the means to godliness? Conditions of climate in our country often make it impractical to use pure olive oil. Accordingly it is permitted to use a mixture containing between 60 and 65 per cent of pure oil. For good reasons the bishop may permit the use of some other vegetable oil or even petroleum. Gas and electric lights are not permitted as substitutes.

It would be a grave sin for the priest or one responsible for keeping the light, to leave the lamp unlighted for any considerable time, say a day or several nights. Should you notice that the lamp is not burning, tell the pastor or the sisters, or those in charge. But first be positive that it is not burning.

Much more important is it that you keep the sanctuary lamp burning in your heart, that you feed and fan the flame that leads you to the altar, the flame that reminds you of the blessed Presence.

With St. Augustine we will see in the sanctuary lamp an image of the three Christian virtues:

1. The clearness of that light is the clearness of faith, which enlightens our minds, clears up our doubts, and answers all the questions of concern to man.

2. The dancing flame, reaching ever upward, is an image of Christian hope, stretching up toward God, aspiring toward heaven.

3. The warmth of that flame is an image of love, love for the God- man present on the altar, love toward our fellow human beings, for love of whom He died, for love of whom He arranged to stay in all the tabernacles of the world.

Next time you enter your church look long at the lamp in the sanctuary. Look back to the night when it was lighted. Look lovingly to the tabernacle whose beacon it is. Look at our Lord. It is the light in His house. Amen.