As we wait in the night-dark church for the Easter light to be struck, we should experience the consoling realization that God is fully aware of the night by which we are surrounded. In fact, he has already struck his light at the heart of it... The night enables us to appreciate what the light really is. It is brightness or luminousness that enables us to see; that shows the way and gives direction; that helps us to know both others and ourselves. It is warmth that strengthens and brings mobility; that consoles and gladdens.

Finally, it is life, and this tiny quivering flame is an image of the wonderful mystery that we call "life" and that is in fact profoundly dependent on light... At this moment we are not only celebrating the Resurrection; we are also being given a distant glimpse of the second coming of the Lord, whom we are advancing to meet with lamps lit... Something of the joy that marks a wedding should be ours on this night so bright with candles. We should also ask ourselves the question: "Will I be one of those who sit at God's table? Will my lamp have enough oil for the everlasing wedding feast?" But perhaps it is even more Christian to ask ourselves the right questions about the present. The world is indeed dark, but even a single candle suffices to bring light into the deepest darkness. Did not God give us a candle at baptism and the means of lighting it? We must be courageous enough to light the candle of our patience, our trust, our love. Instead of bewailing the night, we must dare to light the little lamp that God has loaned us:
"The light of Christ! - Thanks be to God! ...Benedict XVI image