Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy since its earliest days, and its use in Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. The burning of incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The smoke is also thought to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to God, creating an ambiance of solemnity and mystery. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional, and while its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have been adapted from Jewish Temple rituals.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used to symbolise the purification and sanctification of the Mass
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. While the exact origins of its use in the Mass are unknown, incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it.
The use of incense also serves to create a solemn and mysterious atmosphere during the Mass, reminding participants of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth. This is further supported by the belief that God dwells in the clouds of heaven, and so the incense brings a piece of heaven to the Mass. The smoke and smell of incense add to the visual imagery of the Mass, helping worshippers to enter into the presence of God and connect with Christ's Holy Sacrifice.
Additionally, the act of incensing the altar at the beginning of the Mass is a sign of devotion to the holy words of the Gospel, acknowledging the presence of God's word. It also reconnects the congregation to the original dedication of the church, the angels, and the saints in heaven. During funeral Masses, the priest may also incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to God.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thus a powerful liturgical tool that enhances the sensory experience of the worshippers, connecting their prayers to heaven and sanctifying the sacred space of the Mass.
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It is used to bless statues and images
Incense is used during Catholic Mass to bless statues and images. The use of incense during Mass is an important part of Catholic worship, transcending space and time and connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy is symbolic and nothing is "just for show". The smoke of the incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification, driving away evil spirits and pleasing the "good spirits". It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reminding us of its transcendence and allowing us to enter into the presence of God.
The practice of using incense in worship is believed to have originated in Egypt around 2400 BC, and it was also used in ancient China and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. The first use of incense for worship is mentioned in the Bible, where God commands Moses to make an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle:
> Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy; and you shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you; it shall be for you holy. (Exodus 30:34-38)
In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century also marks its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. The use of incense continued throughout the Old Testament period, first in the Tabernacle and then in the Temple in Jerusalem.
It is important to note that Catholic Christians burn incense in front of statues, not to them, as that would be considered idolatry.
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Incense is used to purify the coffin at funerals
Incense has been used in Catholic liturgies from the earliest days of the Church, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which in their present form originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century marks its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
The use of incense is optional for most Masses, and many Catholic priests choose not to use it. However, every Catholic funeral rite must have a moment where incense is used. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin, as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased, which became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism. It is also used to bless statues and images.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones."
The use of incense at funerals also has a practical function: in traditional funeral practices, it was used to contain the smell of decomposition.
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The smoke of incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. The smoke of incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. This belief is supported by several biblical passages, such as Psalm 141, which reads, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice."
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has its roots in antiquity, with the first recorded use of incense dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The practice was later adopted by the Egyptians in the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) and has been a part of religious rituals in various cultures worldwide, including ancient China, India, and the Middle East.
In the context of Catholic Mass, incense is used at various points, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, and at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. During funeral Masses, the priest may incense the coffin as a sign of honour and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, creating a multisensory experience for the worshippers. The visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance of the incense engage the senses, helping to create an atmosphere that links heaven and earth and allows the faithful to enter into the presence of God.
The symbolism of incense as a representation of prayer is also evident in the Book of Revelation, where it describes heavenly worship with angels holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones." This imagery reinforces the belief that the smoke of incense carries the prayers of the faithful up to heaven, uniting their worship on earth with the worship of heaven.
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Incense is used to connect with Christ's Holy Sacrifice
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritualistic tradition. While its incorporation into Catholic liturgy is believed to have been influenced by Jewish Temple rituals, the act of burning incense has a much longer history, dating back thousands of years.
The act of burning incense during Mass serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it symbolises sanctification and purification, echoing the spiritual cleansing mentioned in the Old Testament. This ritual cleansing prepares the sacred space, making it worthy for the worship of God. The smoke of the incense also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven, as described in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice."
Incense plays a pivotal role in connecting the worship on earth with the worship in heaven. This connection is vividly portrayed in the Book of Revelation, where an angel brings incense to the altar of heaven, along with the prayers of God's holy ones. The smoke and aroma of incense create an ambiance reminiscent of heaven, reinforcing the belief that Mass is a heavenly liturgy on earth.
During the Mass, the incensing of the altar, which symbolises Christ's Holy Sacrifice, holds significant meaning. The altar, representing Christ and his five wounds, is consecrated with Sacred Chrism Oil and incense, reconnecting the congregation to the original dedication of the church and the angels and saints in heaven. This act of incensing the altar is a profound expression of devotion to the holy words of the Saviour, honouring the presence of Christ in His proclaimed word.
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is thus a powerful tool that enhances the spiritual experience, engaging the senses and creating a solemn atmosphere that facilitates a deeper connection with Christ's Holy Sacrifice.
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Frequently asked questions
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven.
Incense may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration, and during funeral Masses.
The first instance of incense appears over a thousand years before Jesus. It was a major event on Mount Sinai in Exodus 24 when God came down as a large cloud over the mountain. Incense is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where it is described as being used in heavenly worship.
Incense is used to create a sense of solemnity and mystery during Mass, reminding us of the transcendence of the Mass which links heaven and earth. It also adds to the sensory experience of the Mass, engaging our sense of smell and sight.
The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilization in 3600 BC. Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first non-Asian civilization to use incense. Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition.
