Catholics don’t always keep a candle lit by the Tabernacle. It is only lit when Jesus is physicaly present in the form of Eucharist. When the Eucharist is removed, as it is for Good Friday today, the Tabernacle candle is extinguished or removed.
Votive candles, i.e. those not used during Mass or another official sacrament, are used as part of private devotions to enhance our prayer life. When lit before a statue or image of a Saint, it may signify the honor or devotion the candle-lighter has for that Saint.
Candles can also serve to focus us or as reminders. Some burn them all day at home to show that Jesus is an ongoing visible part of their family. When I teach PREP (religious education) we light a candle (an electric one - fire regulations!) to signify that Jesus is the reason we are in that classroom. When my family is praying for someone or for a special intention, we will keep a candle lit so that everytime we look at it we recall the person or intention we are praying for.
Have a Blessed Easter.
