Why a sanctuary light?

[mystified]

I recently had occasion to visit Lutheran and Methodist churches. In each I noticed a sanctuary light suspended above the pulpit. Neither of these churches had a tabernacle in which to reserve the Body of Chirst. Why would they need a sanctuary candle?
The Methodist altar was against the wall, but the Lutherans had theirs centered in the sanctuary.

 

[LilyM]

Interesting - perhaps the light is simply to signify God’s presence in a special way in their Churches as houses of worship.

After all, the Eastern Orthodox (and perhaps Eastern Catholics as well) will put a lamp in their prayer corners at home (in front of the icons they use in prayer)

 

[Sixtus]

We are privliged to have weekly mass in a church that was once ours. It still has the same high altar. Of course we use a small wooden one, but before the Sacrament is taken out to the sick, when the altar server clears the altar at the end of communion and before the Extra-ordinary minister of the Eucharist can take it, it is kept on the high altar, which of course where the Sacred Elements stood in pre-reformation times.

But, above the altar is a very ornate sanctuary lamp. Some critics call it a symbol of ‘the Perpetual absence’! I tell you why non-Catholics have sanctuary lamps: because the Holy Spirit is guiding them to do so. Why we cannot imagine, though one explanation is possible. It will not be given here, so as not to unintentionallly inhibit the work of the Holy Spirit.

Watch this space.or more acurately… watch THAT space

Praise GoD

 

[lak611]

We are privliged to have weekly mass in a church that was once ours. It still has the same high altar. Of course we use a small wooden one, but before the Sacrament is taken out to the sick, when the altar server clears the altar at the end of communion and before the Extra-ordinary minister of the Eucharist can take it, it is kept on the high altar, which of course where the Sacred Elements stood in pre-reformation times.

But, above the altar is a very ornate sanctuary lamp. Some critics call it a symbol of ‘the Perpetual absence’! I tell you why non-Catholics have sanctuary lamps: because the Holy Spirit is guiding them to do so. Why we cannot imagine, though one explanation is possible. It will not be given here, so as not to unintentionallly inhibit the work of the Holy Spirit.

Watch this space.or more acurately… watch THAT space

Praise GoD

I am somewhat confused by your post. Is this Mass you are referring to Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican? Is the church the same or a different religious group? In other words, are you referring to a Catholic Mass in a Lutheran Church?