Anisha Riggs
Incense is used in Catholic liturgies to symbolise a theological truth. The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The use of incense in Catholic liturgies has been recorded since the 5th century, but its use in religious rites is much older, with Herodotus recording its popularity among the Assyrians, Babylonians and Egyptians. In Catholicism, incense is used to bless and sanctify the altar, preparing it for sacrifice and honouring it as the place of that sacrifice.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification
Incense is used in Catholic liturgies to symbolise sanctification and purification. The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has been going on for millennia and is believed to have been commanded by God in the Book of Exodus. In the Old Testament, God commanded Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense, which was placed before the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The incense sanctifies the altar, preparing it for sacrifice and honouring it as the place of sacrifice. The altar is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church. Incense is also used to bless and pray for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. 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. Incense is also used to venerate, bless, and sanctify. It conveys a sense of mystery and awe.
Incense is also used to purify the way for the priest as he makes his way to the altar. Similarly, in the Maronite Rite of the Catholic Church, liturgical vessels are purified by being inverted over burning incense to catch the fragrant smoke.
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It represents prayers rising to heaven
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has been practised for thousands of years, and its roots can be traced back to the early days of Christianity and even earlier Jewish traditions. According to the Bible, God commanded Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense in worship (Exodus 30:1-10). This practice continued in the Jewish Temple rituals, which were adopted by Christians for their own rituals.
The smoke of incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This idea is reflected in Psalm 141, which says, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice." (Psalm 141:2). The smoke of incense, therefore, represents the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, just as the Psalmist describes.
In Catholic liturgy, the use of incense adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance of incense create an ambiance that reminds participants of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. This sensory experience helps Catholics engage in prayer with all their senses, making the act of prayer more present and powerful.
During the offertory, or preparation of gifts, incense is used to bless and purify the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. It is also used to bless and purify the priest and the congregation, preparing them for the sacrifice and honouring the altar as the holiest location inside any Catholic Church.
In conclusion, the use of incense by Catholics during Mass has deep symbolic and theological significance. The rising smoke of incense represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, connecting the worshippers on earth with the heavenly liturgy described in the Book of Revelation. Through the use of incense, Catholics are reminded of the divine origin of their worship and the presence of God.
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Incense creates the ambiance of heaven
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. In Judaism, God commanded Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense (Exodus 30:1-10). The use of incense in Catholic liturgies symbolizes a theological truth—nothing is superfluous or “just for show.”.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. It is an outward sign of spiritual realities, which is why it has its place in Christian liturgy. Incense connects us to God’s altar in heaven and allows us to utilize all of our senses in our prayer.
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. From the angel’s hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God’s people."
Incense is also used to bless and sanctify things in a special way. The incensing sanctifies the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honoring it as the place of that sacrifice.
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It is used to bless or sanctify things
Incense is used by Catholics during Mass and other liturgical services. It is burned by priests and altar servers, who swing censers to spread clouds of incense through the air.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has been traced back to the Eastern branch of the Church, with the rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark from the 5th century mentioning its use. The Western Church's Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand, dating back to the 7th century, also mentions the use of incense during processions.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It is used to bless or sanctify things, such as the altar, the priest, and the congregation. For example, during the offertory (the preparation of the gifts), incense is used to bless and pray for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. It is also used to bless and pray for the purification and sanctification of the priest and the congregation.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind Catholics of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing them to enter into the presence of God.
Additionally, incense is mentioned in the Bible, where God commanded Moses to build an altar for burning incense (Exodus 30:1-10). This practice continued the Jewish tradition that came before it, as recorded in the Old Testament.
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Incense adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass
The use of incense during Mass is steeped in tradition and symbolism. It is believed to have been commanded by God in the earliest days of Christianity, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it.
Incense is used at various points during the 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 at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood. The priest may also incense the crucifix and the Paschal candle.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell create a multisensory experience, engaging sight, smell, and even touch when the smoke is wafted over the congregation. This symbolism is twofold: it represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, and it creates the ambiance of heaven on earth, linking heaven and earth and allowing the congregation to enter into the presence of God.
The use of incense also has a practical effect on the liturgy, as it is believed to purify and sanctify the altar, the priest, and the congregation. This purification is a form of blessing and prayer, preparing those gathered for the sacrifice of the Mass and honouring the altar as the place of that sacrifice.
Thus, the use of incense during Mass is not just "for show," but is deeply rooted in Catholic theology and symbolism, adding solemnity and mystery to the liturgy.
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Frequently asked questions
The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The altar is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church. It is the primary location of worship.
In the Book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to build an altar for burning incense. Incense also represents God's form in the Biblical book of Exodus: a pillar of smoke by day and a fire by night.
Incense is used during Mass to bless and sanctify the altar, the priest, and the congregation. It also adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
The incense is made of pure myrrh, which was used to anoint Jesus' body.
