“Incense and Its Use in the Sacred Liturgy”
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy is a sign of prayer and of reverence. Already in the Old Testament, they prayed: “Let my prayer rise before you like incense, and the raising of my hands like an evening sacrifice” (Ps. 141 [140]:2). In the Book of Revelation, we also read that the elders had vessels of gold filled with incense, which were the prayers of the saints, and the elders fell down before the Lamb of God in prayer (Rev. 5:8). The use of incense is, consequently, a visual and also a sweet-scented sign of our prayer rising before the throne of God. Symbolically, it both rises before the Lord and at the same time, in its sweet scent, reminds one of how pleasing the prayers and sacrifices of his holy ones are to the Most High God.
The use of incense in the sacred liturgy is also a sign of honor to persons and things that are considered sacred. Processions are sometimes led by a minister carrying the censer. At various times in the Mass, the altar, which is a symbol of Christ, may be incensed, as would be the crucifix. The offerings, which will shortly become the very Body and Blood of the Lord, may be incensed as well. The celebrant and the people may be incensed at the Offertory, as they are carrying out their noble function before God in the sacred liturgy. The consecrated host and the Precious Blood may be incensed when the host and the chalice are shown to the people at Mass. Finally, in processions with the Blessed Sacrament the censer-bearer processes immediately before the Blessed Sacrament to show the Lord the reverence that is due him.
Source: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA
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