Lance Carson
Incense has been used in Catholic mass for centuries, with the earliest documented history of its use in Catholic liturgy coming from the Eastern branch of the Church, dating back to the 5th century. The use of incense during mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. It is believed to sanctify and purify, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The smoke of the incense is thought to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God, creating the ambiance of heaven on earth. Incense is also used during funeral masses to honour the deceased and during the Feast of the Epiphany to commemorate the visitation of the Biblical Magi to Baby Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of prayer, sanctification, and purification |
| Connection with the Bible | Mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Exodus, Numbers, Psalms, Isaiah, and Acts |
| Connection with God | Connects us to God’s altar in heaven, helps us enter into the presence of God, and connects our worship on earth with the worship of heaven |
| Atmosphere | Adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass |
| History | Used in Jewish Temple rituals, mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark in the 5th century, and used during processions in the 7th century |
| Usage | Used during entrance processions, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, during elevations, and during funeral Masses |
| Visuals | The smoke and smell create visual imagery that reminds us of the transcendence of the Mass |
| Symbolism | The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, and the incense itself symbolizes spiritual offerings |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is a symbol of prayer
In the Old Testament, God commanded Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-7, 40:27). Incense was also used in the Temple rituals of the early Jews, and Christians likely adapted its usage for their own rituals. For instance, in Numbers 16, Moses used incense as a means of "atonement" to protect the Israelites from God's punishment for their sins.
The Book of Psalms also connects incense with prayer, purification, and sanctification. Psalm 141 states, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." Similarly, Sirach 39:13-14 says, "Listen to me, O you holy sons, and bud like a rose growing by a stream of water; send forth fragrance like frankincense, and put forth blossoms like a lily. Scatter the fragrance, and sing a hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all his works."
In the New Testament, the apostle John in the Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship, which includes the use of incense: "Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne" (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). Here, the incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints rising up to God.
In Catholic mass, incense is used during various parts of the liturgy, such as the entrance procession, the incensation of the altar and the Gospel Book, the offertory, and the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice. The visual imagery and aroma of the incense create a sense of solemnity, mystery, and transcendence, linking heaven and earth and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God.
The smoke of the incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven, connecting their worship on earth with the worship of heaven. This belief is reflected in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which states that incense "may be used during the entrance procession; at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people; and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration."
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Incense is used for purification and sanctification
Incense is used during Catholic Mass to symbolise purification and sanctification. Its use adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The smoke of incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. This is evident in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice".
The use of incense in Catholic Mass has its roots in the early Church, when Jews used incense in their Temple rituals. The documented history of using incense during Catholic Mass can be traced back to the 5th century, with the rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark. The use of incense was also mentioned in the Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand in the 7th century, which described its use during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday.
Incense is also used to symbolise the connection between heaven and earth. In the Book of Revelation, St. John the Apostle recorded that he saw incense being used at God’s heavenly throne, with the elders holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints". This is also reflected in the prophecy of Malachi, which states that "Incense offerings are made to my name everywhere, and a pure offering".
The sweet fragrance of incense is also believed to symbolise the purification of sins, as described in Numbers 16: "Moses told Aaron to grab some incense to cover the people as a means of atonement". The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thus a powerful symbol that enhances the worship experience and connects the faithful to God and heaven.
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Incense is used to venerate, bless, and sanctify
The use of incense in Catholic mass is believed to have been influenced by early Jewish traditions, as mentioned in the Old Testament. For instance, God commanded Moses to create an altar for burning incense during worship in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:7, 40:27). Incense was also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John described heavenly worship with angels holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8).
The smoke of incense is a powerful symbol of sanctification and purification. It represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. This is evident in Psalm 141:2, which says, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!".
Incense is used at various points during the Catholic mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of mass to incense the altar, during the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, and during the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood. The altar, which represents Christ's sacrifice, is incensed at the beginning of the mass to express devotion and honour towards the holy words of the Gospel.
Additionally, during funeral masses, the priest may 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 adds solemnity and mystery to the mass, engaging the senses and creating an atmosphere that aids in worship and reflection.
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Incense connects worship on earth with worship in heaven
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy since its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The use of incense in Catholic mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. It is not just "for show", but a powerful liturgical tool that adds solemnity and mystery to the mass.
The smoke of incense is said to symbolise sanctification and purification. In the Eastern Rites, for example, the altar and sanctuary area are incensed while Psalm 50, the "Miserere", is chanted, invoking the mercy of God. Incense also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. This is illustrated in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice". The Book of Revelation also describes heavenly worship in a similar way: "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 mass connects worship on earth with worship in heaven. The smoke of incense and its scent remind us of the transcendence of the mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing us to enter into the presence of God. Incense helps to create the atmosphere of heaven on earth, and when we incense the altar, we directly connect with Christ's Holy Sacrifice. The use of incense also connects us to the original dedication of our church and to the angels and saints in heaven.
Incense is also used during funeral masses, where the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
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Incense is used to drive away evil spirits
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. One of its purposes is to drive away evil spirits and purify the atmosphere, creating a positive and solemn environment for worship. This belief has its roots in pagan traditions, where incense was considered a spiritual offering that could ward off demons and invite beneficial gods to grant protection and prosperity.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has evolved over the centuries, with early Christians adopting the practice from Jewish Temple rituals. In Catholic Mass, incense is used at various points, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, and at the proclamation of the Gospel. The incense smoke is believed to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the faithful, connecting their prayers to God's heavenly altar.
The Book of Revelation, a key text in Christian eschatology, describes heavenly worship with angels holding golden bowls filled with incense, representing the prayers of the saints rising to God. This imagery reinforces the belief that incense drives away evil spirits and connects the earthly liturgy with the worship of heaven.
Additionally, the sweet fragrance of incense is thought to cloak the foul odour of sins, emphasising the spiritual cleansing it brings about. The act of incensing the altar at the beginning of Mass also connects with Christ's Holy Sacrifice, acknowledging the presence of Christ in the Holy Gospel.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thus a powerful symbol that enhances the worship experience, uniting the faithful with the worship of angels and saints in heaven and driving away any evil or negative influences.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used at Catholic Mass to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the soul. The smoke from the incense is thought to carry the prayers of the faithful up to heaven.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass was likely influenced by Jewish Temple rituals, as well as early Christian practices. The first documented use of incense in Catholic liturgy dates back to the 5th century in the Eastern Church.
In the Bible, incense is often associated with prayer and worship. In the Book of Revelation, for instance, the apostle John describes heavenly worship with angels holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 5:8).
Incense may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, and during the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood.
