Thanks for the question, Steph. When you grow up in the Catholic Church, as we did, it is hard not to run into incense at some point. It is interesting how the minute I smell it, it reminds me of Church. Of course it also reminds me of college. People used incense to cover the smell of pot. But that’s another story.
Incense was an important part of Jewish liturgy. The altar of incense was before the Ark of the Covenant. Therefore, incense is associated with God’s Presence as God’s Presence was thought to be contained within the Ark. The smoke that arises as incense is burned is said to be our prayers ascending to heaven.
That is a beautiful picture. As we pray our thoughts and intentions are lifted up to heaven. The liturgy is meant to engage all of our senses. We see the candles, vestments, stained glass etc. We hear the Word of God and prayer. We touch each other through the sign of peace. We touch Jesus as we receive Him in the Eucharist. We taste heaven as we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Our sense of smell is engaged with incense. The liturgy should be a feast for the senses.
Nowadays it is used for special occasions such as “High Mass” and funerals. I hope next time you smell incense it is in Church and not to mask the smell of illegal substances!
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