Heidi Norton
Incense is burned during Mass in the Catholic Church for several reasons. Firstly, it is mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle. The smoke of the incense is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where it is described as rising with the prayers of God's people before God. Thus, the use of incense during Mass symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to God, as well as sanctification and purification. It adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, linking heaven and earth and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The burning of incense during mass has been practised since ancient times. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C. It was also used in ancient China and plays a part in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. Hindus have also used incense in worship from ancient times. |
| In the Old Testament, God commanded Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle. | |
| In the Book of Revelation, an angel stands at the altar with a golden censer, offering incense along with the prayers of the saints. | |
| Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. | |
| Symbolism | The smoke of incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. |
| Incense also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven, just as the smoke rises. | |
| Incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the mass, with the visual imagery and smell reminding us of the transcendence of the mass, linking heaven and earth. | |
| Usage | 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. |
| 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. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is burned during the entrance procession
The incense is burned during the entrance procession to purify the altar and sanctify it, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the place of that sacrifice. The altar is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church. Incense is also burned during the entrance procession to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The smoke of the incense and the prayers of God's people rise to God together, purifying the worship of Him.
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 creates the ambiance of heaven, allowing worshippers to enter into an eternal reality through the use of their external senses.
The burning of incense is a prayer in itself, a prayer in action. It is an outward sign of spiritual realities.
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It's used to incense the altar at the beginning of Mass
Incense is burned at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar. This practice is rooted in the Bible, specifically the Old Testament, where God commanded Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle. The Book of Exodus describes God's instructions to Moses to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice.
The altar is the primary location of worship, and the act of incensing it sanctifies the space, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the place where the sacrifice will occur. The smoke of the incense symbolises sanctification and purification, and it also represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This idea is reflected in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John writes about the elders offering incense and the prayers of God's people rising to God.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, creating an ambiance that reminds worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. It is a powerful liturgical tool that engages the senses and helps worshippers enter into the eternal reality of the Mass, connecting their worship on earth with the worship of heaven.
The burning of incense is thus a prayer in itself, a physical expression of worship that enhances the spiritual experience of the Mass.
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It symbolises sanctification and purification
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies and rituals for centuries, and its presence during Mass in the Catholic Church is steeped in symbolism and tradition. When burned, the incense emits a fragrant smoke that is believed to carry prayers to Heaven, creating a sacred and purifying atmosphere.
The act of burning incense during Mass symbolizes the sanctification and purification of both the people and the place of worship. As the incense rises, it represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to God, an offering of praise and worship. This act of burning incense is often accompanied by prayers for spiritual growth and transformation.
The sweet fragrance of the incense also serves as a reminder of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the purifying power of God's love. It symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the purification of the soul, as the fragrant smoke fills the air and envelops the congregation. This physical manifestation of prayer creates a multi-sensory experience, engaging both sight and smell, and helps to focus the mind and heart on the sacred rituals taking place.
Additionally, the use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and reverence to the Mass. As the smoke rises and fills the nave, it creates a visual reminder of the sacredness of the Eucharist and the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The ritual of burning incense thus becomes a powerful tool to enhance the spiritual experience and deepen the connection with the divine.
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It represents prayers rising to heaven
The use of incense during Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual, with its smoke representing prayers rising to heaven. This belief is rooted in the Bible, specifically the Book of Exodus, where God commanded Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle. The Book of Revelation further strengthens this symbolism, describing angels offering incense and the prayers of the saints rising to God as a sweet fragrance.
Incense plays a significant role in Catholic liturgy, where it is used to purify and sanctify. The smoke rising towards heaven symbolises the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This idea is reflected in Psalm 141:2, where the psalmist compares prayer to incense, saying, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!". The use of incense thus adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, creating a link between heaven and earth and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God.
During Mass, incense is used at various points, such as during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, and during the proclamation of the Gospel. The altar, being the holiest location in a Catholic Church, is incensed to sanctify it and prepare it for the sacrifice of the Mass, which includes the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. The incense also honours the altar as the place of sacrifice.
The use of incense during funeral Masses holds additional symbolism. The priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a representation of the faithful's prayers for the departed rising to God. This act symbolises the belief that the deceased's body was a temple of the Holy Spirit after baptism.
The burning of incense during Mass is more than just a ritual; it is a prayer in itself. The visual and sensory experience of incense enhances the worshipper's connection to God, allowing them to utilise all their senses in prayer. The smoke rising towards heaven serves as a reminder that our worship on earth is connected to the worship of heaven, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi, who said, "Incense offerings are made to my name everywhere, and a pure offering" (Mal 1:11).
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It adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass
The use of incense during Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual, and it adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the proceedings. The smoke and aroma create a multisensory experience, invoking a sense of transcendence and a connection to the divine.
The visual and olfactory cues of incense serve as a reminder of the Mass's spiritual significance, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. This symbolism is deeply rooted in Catholic liturgy, with the smoke representing the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. The Book of Revelation describes a similar scene, with angels offering incense alongside the prayers of the saints.
Incense is also used to purify and sanctify the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the holiest site in a Catholic Church. This act of incensing the altar connects the Mass to Christ's Holy Sacrifice, as the altar represents Christ and his five wounds.
Additionally, the use of incense during the entrance procession, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the offertory further enhances the sense of solemnity. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle, adding to the ritualistic nature of the Mass.
The burning of incense is not just a symbolic act but also a prayer in itself. It is a physical manifestation of prayer, connecting the worshippers to God and allowing them to engage in a multisensory prayer experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The burning of incense is a prayer in itself, representing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. It is also used to bless and sanctify things, such as the altar, which is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church.
Incense is burned at various points during Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
The smoke and smell of incense symbolise the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God. It also symbolises sanctification and purification.
