Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used in various cultures and religions for thousands of years, including in ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Babylonia. In Catholicism, incense is used during Mass and other liturgical services to symbolise sanctification and purification. The smoke is also meant to symbolise the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The use of incense in Catholicism can be traced back to the Bible, where it is mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament. In Exodus, God instructs Moses on how to use incense, and in the Book of Revelation, angels are described as offering incense at God's altar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of incense use | The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away. Herodotus recorded that it was popular among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving offerings. |
| Incense in Catholicism | The use of incense in Catholicism is biblical and liturgical, dating back to the instructions given by God to Moses in the Book of Exodus. It is used to symbolize sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. |
| Incense in Catholic Mass | Incense is used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense offerings, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood. |
| Symbolism and ambiance | Incense creates the ambiance of heaven, as described in the Book of Revelation, with the smoke symbolizing the prayers of the faithful drifting up to God's altar. |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense is used to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the sacred space
- The smoke represents prayers rising to heaven
- It creates the ambiance of heaven
- Incense is biblical and was used in ancient times to keep demons away
- It is used during processions, at the beginning of Mass, and to incense the altar
Incense is used to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the sacred space
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. In the ancient world, it was used to drive away demons. In Catholicism, incense is used to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the sacred space.
The use of incense in Catholic mass was commanded by God in the Bible as early as Exodus. God instructed Moses on how to use incense to keep a space sacred. In Exodus 30:1-10, God also provided a "holy recipe" for the incense to be used in the ritual cleansing and purification of the Tabernacle, making it a worthy place for worship.
The smoke of incense symbolises the sanctification and purification of the sacred space. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. In Psalm 141, the psalmist prays, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice". The smoke of incense is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which describes the heavenly worship with "another angel [...] holding a censer of gold" and depositing incense on the "altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones". The smoke rising from the incense symbolises the prayers of God's people rising up to God.
The use of incense in Catholic mass adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the ritual. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth and allowing us to enter into the presence of God. The incense also sanctifies the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the holiest place inside any Catholic Church.
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The smoke represents prayers rising to heaven
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is believed to symbolise the smoke of the faithful's prayers drifting up to heaven. This belief is supported by several Biblical passages.
In Psalm 141, the Psalmist prays, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." Similarly, in Malachi 1:11, it is written, "From the farthest east to the farthest west, my name is honoured among the nations, and everywhere a sacrifice of incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering too, since my name is honoured among the nations."
The Book of Revelation also describes a vision of heavenly worship, in which an angel brings incense to an altar of gold before the throne of God, along with "the prayers of all God's holy ones". The smoke of the incense rises to God, along with the prayers of His people.
The use of incense during Mass is believed to create an ambiance of heaven, connecting the worshippers to God's altar and allowing them to utilise all their senses in their prayers. It adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reminding the faithful of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth.
The symbolism of incense as prayer is further reinforced by its use in blessing and sanctifying sacred objects and spaces. During funeral Masses, for example, 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.
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It creates the ambiance of heaven
The use of incense in Catholic mass is steeped in tradition and symbolism. While its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have been adapted from Jewish rituals, as evidenced by its mention in the Bible. According to Exodus 30:34-38, God instructed Moses on how to create and use incense as part of a sacred ritual:
> "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 most holy."
The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites, where it was believed to have the power to drive away demons and purify sacred spaces. In Catholicism, incense continues to be a powerful symbol of sanctification and purification. It is used to bless and sanctify objects and spaces, such as the altar, which is considered the holiest location inside any Catholic church.
However, one of the most significant reasons for its use in Catholic mass is its ability to create the ambiance of heaven. The smoke from burning incense is believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising up to God, as mentioned in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." This symbolism is further reinforced by descriptions of heavenly worship in the Book of Revelation:
> "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. From the angel's hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God's people."
By using incense during mass, Catholics create a sensory experience that connects them to God's altar in heaven and allows them to utilize all their senses in their prayers. The aroma and smoke of incense evoke a sense of solemnity and mystery, reminding worshippers of the heavenly realm and their connection to it through their prayers. Thus, the use of incense in Catholic mass serves as a powerful tool to enhance the spiritual atmosphere and deepen the worship experience.
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Incense is biblical and was used in ancient times to keep demons away
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals since ancient times. In the Bible, incense is mentioned in Exodus 30:1, where the Lord instructs Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense. This altar was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept. The use of incense is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:20,22; 7:48; 9:25 and 2 Chronicles 4:19. In the New Testament, the gospels of Luke and Revelation describe the use of incense in connection with prayer and worship.
The offering of incense has been a part of the religious ceremonies of many ancient nations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Israelites. In the ancient world, incense was believed to have sacred properties and was used to keep demons away. Herodotus, the Greek historian, recorded the popularity of incense among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. The Greeks burned fragrant woods and resins as an offering to the gods and for protection against demons. The Romans adopted the use of incense in their sacrifices and in the cult of the emperor.
In Judaism, incense was included in thanksgiving offerings and played a prominent role in temple worship. The early Christian church began to use incense in their rituals, and it continues to be used in Catholic masses and liturgical rites. The use of incense in the Mass is believed to create an ambiance of heaven and symbolize the prayers of the faithful drifting up to God. It adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the worship service.
Incense is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where an angel is described as holding a censer of gold and depositing incense on the altar before God, along with the prayers of God's people. This imagery connects the use of incense in the Mass with the worship in heaven, where angels offer incense as a sacrifice before God's altar. The smoke of the incense is symbolic of the prayers 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."
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It is used during processions, at the beginning of Mass, and to incense the altar
Incense has been used in religious rites since ancient times, and its use in Catholic Mass is no exception. Its exact introduction into Catholic liturgy is unknown, but it is presumed to have been adapted from Jewish Temple rituals.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines several instances where incense may be used during Mass: during processions, at the beginning of Mass, and to incense the altar.
During processions
The use of incense during processions is mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which date back to the fifth century. A Roman Ritual from the seventh century also describes its use during the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. Incense was also employed during solemn processions on feast days, such as Palm Sunday and Corpus Christi.
At the beginning of Mass
Incense is used at the start of Mass to sanctify and honour the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice of the Mass, which includes the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ (the Eucharist). This practice is mentioned in the Eastern Rites, where the altar and sanctuary area are incensed while Psalm 50, the "Miserere", is chanted, invoking God's mercy.
To incense the altar
Incensing the altar symbolises the purification and sanctification of this sacred space. The smoke of the incense represents 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." This imagery is further reinforced in the Book of Revelation, where an angel brings incense to the altar of God, along with the prayers of God's holy ones. Thus, the use of incense in Catholic Mass serves as a visual and sensory connection to the heavenly worship described in Scripture.
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Frequently asked questions
The use of incense during Catholic mass is biblical and liturgical. The smoke from burning incense is seen as a symbol of sanctification and purification and is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. It also helps to create the ambiance of heaven.
In the Bible, God instructs Moses on how to use incense to keep a space sacred. Frankincense was one of the gifts brought by the Three Kings to Baby Jesus. In his visions of heaven, St. John the Apostle recorded the use of incense at God's heavenly throne.
If you find the use of incense excessive, you could try having a respectful conversation with the pastor. Most parishes have at least one Sunday Mass that is celebrated in a less elaborate fashion, so you could inquire about incense-free Mass. You could also opt to attend Mass at another nearby parish that might not use as much incense.
