Editorial May 26, 1973 Issue

The Candle and the Whole House

Naomi Price

During a summer storm there was a blinding flash, a roar of thunder, and the electricity supply was cut off. A crowded restaurant near a palm tree bordered beach was suddenly plunged into darkness. The guests were startled for a moment; then they settled again to eat dinner as they realized that after all they were not in the dark. One small candle, that was always kept burning on the center serving table, was untouched by the storm and was still steadily radiating its tiny light. In the crisis all eyes turned toward it, and troubled thought was quickly calmed.

During the next few minutes the staff went one by one to the center table, each with a candle in his hand, and took from this one small flame another light to set among the guests. Soon the room was ablaze with the soft illumination of many candles, and the guests continued eating.

The power of that one humble candle was far-reaching. It comforted more than a hundred people. It helped dissolve fear and maintain peace. It attracted the attention of all the people in the room, reassured them, and finally gave to each a light of his own by which to see.

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