Dec 162008
Burning lights in honour of the saints and martyrs has been a feature of Christian devotion since the late antique period. Jerome (Against Vigilantius) pointing to the example of the woman who anoints Jesus with costly oil (Mt. 26.6-13; Mk. 14.3-9; Lk. 7.36-50), defends the offering of lights as an act of heartfelt love and devotion.
Vigilantius also accuses that the practice is a pagan form of devotion that has no place in the life of the faithful Christian. It is true, pagan households did have shrines to the gods where various offerings were made and devotions took place. Jerome’s response can be roughly summarised thus: So what if it is! The intention now, however, is to honour God and his saints.
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