Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for millennia, with the first recorded use dating back to 3600 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. In Christianity, the use of incense is inspired by the Bible and has been employed in worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, and Lutheran Churches, among others. Incense is used before reading the Gospel to symbolize sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. It adds reverence, dignity, and solemnity to the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth and allowing worshippers to enter the presence of God.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is a symbol of sanctification and purification
The use of incense in Christian liturgies and worship, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, has a long history and a variety of purposes. Incense is a symbol of sanctification and purification, and its use adds reverence, dignity, and beauty to the Mass. The smoke of burning incense is seen as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven, representing the burning zeal of faith that should consume all Christians.
The practice of using incense has its roots in antiquity, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first non-Asian culture to adopt its use, and it was already in use by Hindus for centuries by that time. The use of incense in Christian worship can be traced back to its roots in Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The Bible also mentions incense in several passages, further influencing its adoption in Christian rituals.
In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to burn incense as a sacrificial offering, with specific instructions for its preparation and use (Exodus 30:7, 30:36-38, 40:27). Incense was to be used exclusively for worship, and severe consequences were outlined for misuse. The Gospel of Luke reveals a shift from the original tradition, where only the high priest was permitted to offer incense, to allowing ordinary priests to do so as well.
During Mass, incense is used at various points, including at the start, after the priest kisses and walks around the altar, incensing it and the large Crucifix. Before the Gospel reading, the Book of the Gospels is incensed out of reverence for the life, works, and words of Jesus. The use of incense at this point adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth and allowing those gathered to enter into the presence of God.
The act of incensing is also a mark of honour and reverence, extending to the offerings, the people participating, and their offerings, which represent their lives and work. Incense is used to perfume the air and uplift the souls of those gathered, reminding Christians that God is pleased when His people pray.
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Incense is used to venerate, bless, and sanctify
Incense is used in Christian liturgies and worship, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and its use in prayer and worship carries with it a Christian symbolism.
The use of incense in the Mass adds a sense of reverence and dignity to the proceedings, giving glory to God. The smoke and fragrance of incense serve as a reminder of the sweet-smelling presence of God and reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth.
The use of incense is also deeply practical. It is employed to symbolise the purification and sanctification of liturgical vessels, chalices, and other objects used in worship. Incense is also used to venerate holy people and holy things, as well as to symbolise the connectedness between the altar of sacrifice, those offering the sacrifice, and those uniting themselves to the sacrifice.
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Incense adds reverence and dignity to the Mass
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, with its roots in the traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The use of incense during Mass is not just for show, nor is it about the priest himself. Rather, incense adds reverence and dignity to the Mass.
The smoke of burning incense is seen as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. As the smoke rises, it is a reminder that we are gathered together as God's people in the Mass, joining Jesus in offering the perfect sacrifice to God. The incense gives us a visual reminder of those prayers being offered to God. The fragrance also symbolizes Christian virtue.
The use of incense within the Mass should transport us in transcendence to the Heavenly Liturgy, giving glory and reverence to God. Incense is a symbol of sanctification and purification, and its use adds a feeling of solemnity to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth, and allowing us to enter into the presence of God.
Before the Gospel is read, the priest or deacon incenses the Book of the Gospels out of reverence for the life, works, and words of Jesus. This act of incensing is also an expression of reverence and prayer, as signified in Sacred Scripture.
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Incense symbolises the burning zeal of faith that should consume all Christians
The use of incense in Christian liturgies and worship, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, has a long history and holds significant spiritual, liturgical, and practical implications. One of the key interpretations of incense use is that it symbolises the burning zeal of faith that should consume all Christians. This symbolism is deeply rooted in biblical passages and the traditions of Judaism.
Incense has been a part of Christian worship since ancient times, with its practice inspired by the Bible. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to burn incense as a sacrificial offering, exclusively for worship (Exodus 30:36–37). The smoke rising from the incense symbolises the prayers and devotion of the faithful ascending to Heaven, as described in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!". This interpretation is shared by both Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches, emphasising the connection between the physical act of burning incense and the spiritual act of prayer.
The use of incense during the reading of the Gospel is particularly significant. Before the Gospel is read, the priest or deacon incenses the Book of the Gospels out of reverence for the life, works, and words of Jesus Himself. This act symbolises the highest glory and reverence for God, acknowledging the presence of Jesus within the sacred text. The smoke and fragrance of the incense create a multisensory experience, adding a sense of mystery, awe, and solemnity to the Mass.
The symbolism of incense as the burning zeal of faith extends beyond the Mass. Incense is also used in various solemn processions, graveside services, the blessing of new churches and sacred items, and during the consecration of altars. These rituals reinforce the belief that incense represents the purification and sanctification of people and objects in service to God. The act of burning incense serves as a visual and olfactory reminder of the presence of God and the transformative power of faith.
Through the use of incense, Christians physically manifest their devotion and willingness to be consumed by their faith. The rising smoke serves as a tangible representation of their prayers and spiritual zeal ascending to Heaven, uniting the earthly liturgy with the heavenly realm. Thus, the use of incense in Christian worship is not merely a ritualistic act but a powerful expression of faith, honour, and transformation.
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Incense is a mark of honour paid to the offerings
The use of incense in Christian liturgies and worship, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, has a long history and holds significant spiritual, liturgical, and practical implications. Incense is seen as a mark of honour paid to the offerings, symbolising sanctification, purification, and sacrifice.
Incense has been employed in Christian worship since antiquity, with its use inspired by passages in the Bible. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to burn incense as a sacrificial offering, exclusively for worship (Exodus 30:36–37). This tradition continued into the New Testament, with the Gospel of Luke depicting Zechariah offering incense in the temple (Luke 1:9–16).
The act of incensing is a way to honour and venerate the offerings that are to become the Body and Blood of Christ. The smoke of burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as described in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3–4. Incense adds a sense of reverence, dignity, and solemnity to the Mass, connecting Heaven and Earth and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God.
During the Offertory of the Mass, the priest incenses the offerings of bread and wine, the priest himself, and sometimes the congregation. This act symbolises the purification and sanctification of the offerings, as well as the unity of those participating in the celebration. The incense also serves as a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God, honouring both the sacred objects and the people involved in the liturgy.
The use of incense in Christian rituals, therefore, extends far beyond mere tradition or symbolism. It is a powerful tool that enhances the spiritual experience, uniting the congregation in their offerings and prayers, and honouring the sacred nature of the liturgy.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used before reading the gospel out of reverence for the life, works, and words of Jesus.
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible and has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity. It is seen as a symbol of sanctification, purification, and prayer.
According to the Catholic Source Book, frankincense is the main ingredient in the incense used in today's liturgies. It is derived from the sap of a family of desert trees that grow in southern Arabia.
Incense is used at various points during Mass, including at the start, during the Offertory, at the Consecration and Elevation, and at the end.
