Holy Quiz

[Patricia]

If nobody answers, you can peek at the answer if you want to . Dear Brigid, you are so honest

[Shin]

I've already peeked! Thank you for providing the invisible ink!

[Brigid]

If nobody answers, you can peek at the answer if you want to .

Thank you. Now I won't feel guilty.

The answer surprised me. It was deeper than I had realized (although simple).

[Shin]

I will ask a spiritual quiz question that I think will be hard to get unless people already read of it, like I just happened to, but I think is worth trying to figure out and I bet there will be some food for thought insights that will deepen the meaning of candles for us..

Traditionally only beeswax candles are used in the liturgy.. Preferably pure, though tolerated less so or otherwise in extenuating circumstances with special approval...

Why is this? What is the meaning behind the beeswax candle.. ?

The wax used.. ?
The candle's wick..
And the candle's flame?

What do they mean?

There are of course many good answers other than the ones I have read I think but.. nevertheless.. for this quiz question there is a 'most correct' series of answers..

I will put them down in invisible ink below.

"The pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother, the wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity. Although the two latter properties are found in all kinds of candles, the first is proper of beeswax candles only."

- The Catholic Encyclopedia

[Brigid]

Answers first without looking:
candles = symbol of light and beeswax candles burn cleaner (symbol of sinlessness of Christ). Beeswax is used by bees for the foundation of the honeycomb  = Christ is our foundation (of Church). Beeswax is also used as a protector of food and a protector of our skin = Christ is our Protection.

I can't figure out the wick.

[Brigid]

Oh, beeswax doesn't smoke as much = smoke symbolizes vanity.

[martin]

I can't beat those answers Brgid.

That just leaves me with the wick part. 

Let me think. 
The wick must be the conduit for the wax (which as Brigid says represents Our Lord) so could the wick represent Our Lady?

[Shin]

Splendid stuff Brigid!

The sinlessness of Christ is part of the correct answer to the wax -- but there's more of Him that it represents as well..

I love all the things you are coming up with, making for interesting thoughts!

Hmm.. Martin.. the Wick representing Our Lady.. interesting too! not the answer I have.. but that's making food for thought too.

[Patricia]

Martin and Brigid have given a lot of thought to their answers. I'm tempted to peek, but I'll think some more.

[Patricia]

Candle's wick---- Our sinful lives, Candle's flame--- the Light of Christ that changes our lives??

[Shin]

I like the idea! Reminds me of purgatory and the scriptures about purifying fires..

Should I start giving hints yet? If I do I feel like I will get less widespread answers that are intriguing.. 

[Brigid]

Candle's wick---- Our sinful lives, Candle's flame--- the Light of Christ that changes our lives??

I really like that, Patricia!

[Patricia]

I think I'm going to peek.

[martin]

One of my new years resolutions is not too peek.

Why did I ever make it? 

[Shin]

Okay, I will give hints now.. the candle's symbolism all has to do with direct particulars about Christ..

[Shin]

One of my new years resolutions is not too peek.

Why did I ever make it? 

I think you're storing up a good lot of mortification ha ha ha! Of curiosity! Something which few think to do penance and moritify!