Abstract
The Czech liturgist observes at the very beginning of his essay that the once rich symbolism of light in the liturgy is today limited to only few rituals (Baptism candle, Paschal candle, Candelmas…). The author sees the reason for such a reduction in our present relation to the theological nature of God´s creation and its revelatory value.
The world became mostly matter, designed primarily to technological treatment and processing, and has lost its place in the mystery of God´s action. In contrast to modern times, the author draws attention to the liturgical practice of the ancient Church, when among one of the most commonly held nightly ceremonies belonged the lighting of lamps accompanied with prayers (lucernaria).
The light was symbolically appreciated at the end of each day, as well as at the beginning; it was related not only to the rites of Baptism, but also to the Eucharist.. The author concludes: Light is not included among the Sacraments of the New Testament in the strict sense, but it certainly belongs to the natural sacraments of creation, and also to the supreme symbols of the Messiah – it announces the way of his life and of the lives of his disciples