INCENSE: JEWISH AND CHURCH PRACTICES
The practice of burning incense holds significant meaning in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting a deep connection between worship, prayer, and divine presence. This article explores the biblical significance of incense, its historical practices among the Jewish people, and its continued use in the Catholic Church, culminating in a reflection for contemporary Christians.
Incense in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, incense was a vital component of worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. God commanded Moses to create a specific type of incense to be burned on the altar, which was located in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated it from the Holy of Holies (Ex 30:34-38). The altar of incense was to be treated as “most holy to the Lord” (Ex 30:10), emphasizing its sacred role in worship.
Symbolism of Incense
Incense is often associated with prayer in the Scriptures. Psalm 141:2 states, “Let my prayer be set before you like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.” This verse illustrates the idea that the rising smoke of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. Additionally, during the Day of Atonement, the high priest would burn incense in the Holy of Holies, creating a cloud that obscured the mercy seat, thus protecting him from death in the presence of God (Lev 16:12-13).
The use of incense was not merely ritualistic; it served as a reminder of the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. Isaiah condemned the people for their insincere worship, stating, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me” (Isa 1:13). This highlights that God desires genuine devotion over mere ritual compliance.
Incense in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the significance of incense continues. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was offering incense in the Temple when the angel Gabriel announced the forthcoming birth of his son (Lk 1:10). This act of burning incense was intertwined with prayer, as the assembled worshipers were praying outside the Temple during this time.
Furthermore, the Book of Revelation reinforces the connection between incense and prayer, stating that the elders around the throne held “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people” (Rev 5:8). This imagery underscores the belief that incense carries the prayers of the faithful to God, symbolizing their devotion and intercession.
Jewish and Catholic Practices
Historically, incense was a central element of Jewish worship, deeply embedded in their liturgical practices. The Temple’s destruction in 70 AD did not erase the significance of incense; instead, it transitioned into early Christian worship. The early Church adopted many Jewish practices, including the use of incense, as a means of enhancing the worship experience and symbolizing the prayers of the faithful.
In the Catholic Church, incense is still widely used during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. It serves multiple purposes: it symbolizes the prayers of the congregation rising to God, signifies the sanctity of the worship space, and creates an atmosphere of reverence. The use of incense is often accompanied by prayers and blessings, reinforcing its role as a medium through which believers communicate with the divine.
REFLECTION
The biblical practice of burning incense invites Christians to reflect on the nature of their prayers and worship. Just as incense was a symbol of the prayers of the faithful, our prayers should rise with sincerity and devotion. The act of burning incense reminds us that our communication with God is essential and that we must approach Him with pure hearts.
As Christians, we are called to ensure that our worship is not merely a routine but a heartfelt expression of our relationship with God. The sweet aroma of incense serves as a reminder that our prayers, when offered in faith and sincerity, are pleasing to God. Let us strive to cultivate a spirit of genuine worship, allowing our prayers to ascend like incense, enveloping our lives in the presence of the Almighty.
In our spiritual journey, let us embrace the rich traditions of our faith, allowing them to guide and inspire us. May the fragrant aroma of our prayers and good deeds rise up before the Lord, bringing us ever closer to His divine grace and mercy.