In earlier times, a light would burn throughout the night in the dormitory of Benedictine monks. St. Benedict explains in his Rule that this light was meant to remind them of the constant presence of Christ. Since electric light, unlike a candle, is not a symbol of Jesus, this practice is no longer maintained (at least not here), especially since we no longer sleep in one shared room.
But what sets electric light apart from candlelight? Why does one symbolize the true Light of the World and the other does not?
Candlelight has a different quality. It can be spread. You can share it without diminishing its source, just like love. One light can ignite many others, much like how the message of Jesus is "contagious." The flame of a candle is part of a fire, and doesn’t Scripture say God is like a consuming fire? The candle consumes itself, giving everything it has for others. This is exactly what our Savior did. And it is what we aim to practice in the monastery—total self-giving. We bring everything we have and are, not for personal gain, but out of love. Love for God and, in that love, for all humanity.
We want to burn and shine for them all. We strive to offer light, guidance, and warmth. We want to ignite faith and inspire others with enthusiasm for the Lord of the world. Because He is our Light and illuminates our darkness, we, too, can begin to shine and radiate into the world.
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