| Incense
Fresh baked bread, coffee brewing, a log fire, a Christmas
tree. They all give off aromas that arouse our sense of smell.
They also fill us with warmth and make us feel good. Smells can
enhance our worship as well. The burning candle wax, the bouquet
of wine, the perfume of the chrism brings delight to the faithful.
But our most famous smell comes from incense. It signals the
solemnity of our common prayer. Incense could be used every day of the
year, if we wanted to, but in general we reserve its use for special
occasions. Incense can be used at several parts of the Mass. It
may lead the entrance procession. When he reaches the altar the
presider may incense it as a sign of reverence. Incense may lead
the gospel procession and the deacon or priest may incense the book
before reading it. At the offertory the presider may incense the
gifts of bread and wine and the altar itself. Then a deacon may
incense the priest and the people. When this takes place we should
stand up and bow when the minister bows, before and after the
incensation. It's a stylized way of receiving the incense with
with the dignified humility of guests being served. This is not so
much a blessing but rather an acknowledgement that we, the baptized,
like the gifts of the altar, are set apart. And so a bow rather
than the sign of the cross is more appropriate as a response. We
normally remain standing at this time as the priest begins the Preface
to the Eucharistic prayer. Incense is also used at funerals when we
incense the the remains of the departed. It is also used at
benedictions of the Blessed Sacrament when the monstrance is
incensed. Incense takes the lead position in solemn processions. Incense
delights the eye as well as the nose. As the smoke rises
mysteriously to the heavens it carries our prayers aloft. See
also Censer, Incense
Boat and Incense Spoon |
