14 INCENSE: A SYMBOL OF PRAYER AND ADORATION

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

INCENSE holds a sacred place in Catholic liturgy, symbolizing prayer, adoration, and the ascent of worship to the divine.

It is a fragrant resinous substance that, when burned, releases aromatic smoke, creating an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual elevation.

As the Psalmist exclaims, “Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

🌀 HISTORY

💡 Biblical Tradition: The use of incense has deep roots in the Old Testament, where it was employed in the worship of God.

The book of Exodus details how God instructed Moses to use fragrant incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:34-38).

💡 Temple Worship: In the Jerusalem Temple, priests burned incense as part of their sacred duties, and it became associated with the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.

💡 Early Christian Worship: The early Christians, inheriting elements from Jewish worship, incorporated the use of incense as a way of honouring the Lord’s presence.

💡 Liturgical Continuity: The continuity of using incense in Catholic liturgy highlights its enduring significance, bridging the worship practices of the Old and New Testaments.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & TEACHINGS

🔶 St. John Damascene: “The rising smoke of the incense represents the prayers of the saints rising up to God.”

🔶 St. Augustine: “The incense is the symbol of the good odor of Christ, and it is perceptible everywhere. It is the good odor of Christ that we spread among those who are saved and among those who perish.”

🔶 St. Thomas Aquinas: “The ascending smoke of the incense represents the ascent of prayer to God, and the fragrance symbolizes the goodness and grace of Christ, which is diffused to the faithful.”

🔶 Pope St Paul VI: “The fragrant cloud of incense is a symbol of the noblest human aspirations, of our prayers ascending to the divine.”

🔶 Pope St John Paul II: “In the incensing, the clouds of smoke rising up symbolize the prayers of the people rising up to God.”

🔶 Pope Benedict XVI: “The perfumed smoke of the incense, spiraling upwards, was considered an image of prayer, an image of the soul ascending to God.”

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Symbol of Prayer: Incense serves as a visible and fragrant symbol of the prayers of the faithful ascending to God, creating a tangible link between the earthly and heavenly realms.

🔷 Adoration and Reverence: The use of incense during Liturgical rites enhances the atmosphere of adoration and reverence, signifying the sanctity of the moment.

🔷 Biblical Foundation: The use of incense is in line with Biblical traditions, particularly its prominent role in the worship practices of ancient Israel (Exodus 30:34-38).

🔷 Continuity of Worship: The continuity of using incense from Old Testament worship to the Catholic Liturgy underscores the richness of Catholic worship traditions.

🔷 Saintly Testimonies: Insights from saints like St. John Damascene, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas affirm the spiritual significance of incense in enhancing the Liturgical experience.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Engage the Senses: Allow the fragrance of incense to engage your senses during Liturgical celebrations, fostering a deeper connection with the symbolic and spiritual dimensions of worship.

💠 Educate Others: Share the Biblical and theological significance of incense with fellow Catholics, fostering a greater appreciation for this sacred element in worship.

💠 Prayerful Posture: During the use of incense, assume a prayerful posture, consciously connecting the rising smoke with the ascent of prayers to God.

💠 Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledge and appreciate the cultural diversity in the use of incense within the Catholic Church, recognizing its adaptability to different Liturgical traditions.

💠 Reflect on Symbolism: Take moments of personal reflection when incense is used in Liturgical settings, allowing its fragrance to draw you into a deeper connection with the Lord.

May Incense continue to be a symbol of prayer, adoration, and the unity of the faithful, enriching the Catholic Liturgical experience with its profound spiritual significance.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Bengaluru, India
Email ID: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

“The offering of an incense is a generous and beautiful rite… In the rhythm and the sweetness there is a musical quality; and like music also is the entire lack of practical utility: it is a prodigal waste of precious material. It is a pouring out of unwithholding love.”

– Romano Guardini