Incense at Mass

During the Lent and Easter Seasons, we use incense at the two Sunday morning Masses. It is not used at the Saturday Vigil Mass to accommodate those who may be sensitive to incense.

Why incense?
In Psalm 141 we pray, “Let my prayer rise before you like incense O Lord.” The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship as follows: "The angel took his place at the altar…and the smoke of the incense went up before God and with it the prayers of God’s people."  Hence, incense connects us to God’s altar in heaven and allows us to utilize all of our senses in our prayer.

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 transcendent aspect of the Mass which links Heaven with Earth…as we enter into the Presence of God. Try and visualize your own prayers (and life) being raised to Heaven when you see and pray with the incense rising!

Thank you for your prayers while I am away on a silent retreat. I continue to pray that you discover the grace of a prayer-full life this Lent.

Fr. Jim Deiters