I decided to share this because During mass today, I was opportuned (so to say) to sit with a non-catholic who out of curiousity, asked me why catholics burn incense..


The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away. Herodotus, the Greek historian, recorded that it was popular among the Assyrians,
Babylonians and Egyptians. In Judaism, incense was
included in the thanksgiving offerings of oil, rain,
fruits, wine (cf. Numbers 7:13-17). The Lord
instructed Moses to build a golden altar for the
burning of incense (cf. Exodus 30:1-10), which was
placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the
meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.

We do not know exactly when the use of incense was Introduced into our Mass or other liturgical rites. At
the time of the early Church, the Jews continued to
use incense in their own Temple rituals, so it would
be safe to conclude that the Christians would have
adapted its usage for their own rituals.

In the liturgies of Ss. James and Mark, which in their
present form originate in the fifth century, the use of
incense is mentioned. A Roman Ritual of the seventh
century marks it usage in the procession of a Bishop
to the altar and on Good Friday. Moreover, in the
Mass, an incensation at the Gospel appears very
early; at the offertory, in the 11th century; and at the
Introit, in the 12th century. Incense was also used at
the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and
Vespers about the 13th century, and for the
exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament about the 14th century. Gradually, its usage was extended to the incensing of the celebrant and assisting clergy.

The purpose of incensing and the symbolic value of
the smoke is that of purification and sanctification.
For example, in the Eastern Rites at the beginning of
Mass, the altar and sanctuary area were incensed
while Psalm 50, the "Miserere," was chanted invoking the mercy of God. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven: the Psalmist prays, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 141). Incense also creates the ambiance of heaven: 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."

In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
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. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin, both as a sign of honor to the body of the deceased which became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism and as a sign
of the faithful’s prayers for the deceased rising to
God.
The usage 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 which links heaven with earth, and allow us to enter into the presence of God.
Fr. Saunders is president of Notre Dame Institute and associate pastor of Queen of Apostles Parish, both inAlexandria.

people may be hoping for miracles and signs in the churches but its obvious the Holy Mass presents and symbolises the simple way and essence of prayer; not for miracles nor signs but for connection with God.

I like.

italo: I like.

well done