Sanctuary lamp

The eternal light is an everlasting light in the synagogue and the Catholic Church. It serves as a symbol to remind you of the constant presence of God.

Eternal Light in Judaism

In synagogues is the eternal light ( ner tamid Hebrew ) before the ark, the holy ark, situated. It is typically located in a container which is suspended from the ceiling. The esch tamid was formerly another eternal light, which was set up in the sanctuary of the tabernacle.

Eternal Light in the Catholic Church

Importance

The eternal light is a lamp that burns eternally and the location of the tabernacle indicates where the consecrated hosts are kept. As an Old Testament prophecy to (Isa 60.19 to 20 EU) is seen:

" By day the sun will no more be your light, and brighten the night, you no longer seems the moon, but the Lord is unto thee an everlasting light, your God, your radiant shine. Your sun no longer sets and your moon no longer decreases; for the Lord is your everlasting light, to end are your days of mourning. "

History

The custom of eternal light came in the 13th century, mediated by the Orthodox Church, in which the light is placed in front of the iconostasis, from the Middle East to Europe. He was already common around the year 400 around. So let it burn lights at the tombs of the martyrs and before the altars. To this end, we replaced the original candle light through the mainly fed by olive oil lamp.

The main function of the eternal light is to burn as a sign of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament kept in the tabernacle. In the basic order of the Roman Missal states that " according to the traditional custom of constantly nourished with an oil or wax special light has the tabernacle to burn, thus reducing the presence of Christ displayed and honored. "

The cost of the operation of eternal light were partially entered as liens to ensure uninterrupted operation of the light in the local community.

The eternal light almost always has a red umbrella, although this color is nowhere prescribed. Presumably, this serves to distinguish different Votivlichtern. There are different types of eternal light: as three chains hanging down lights, wall mounted or as a floor lamp near the tabernacle.

The Triduum Sacrum eternal light is on Holy Thursday after the transfer of the ciborium in his makeshift storage location after the celebration of the Last Supper deleted at the tabernacle and inflamed again until the Gloria at the Easter Vigil, as the tabernacle is empty meantime.