The rising smoke of incense is one of the most ancient signs of worship — "let my prayer be counted as incense before you" (Psalm 141:2). When is it used at Mass, and what does it signify?
Incense in the Catholic Church: Biblical Roots and Meaning at Mass
The Roman Missal treats incense as optional but rich in meaning, used at the Entrance, the Gospel, the Offertory, and the elevation after the Consecration (GIRM 75, 276–277). Dr. Pitre grounds it in the altar of incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-10), the "sweet smell" of the holy blend (Exodus 30:34-38), and the prayer of Psalm 141, "let my prayer be counted as incense." In the heavenly temple, incense rises "with the prayers of the saints" (Revelation 8:2-4), echoing Isaiah's vision of the smoke-filled Temple (Isaiah 6). The session follows the tradition through Ambrose, Athanasius, and the medieval commentators — and asks what St. Thomas Aquinas says the incensing of the altar and the people actually signifies.
Key passages & sources examined: Exodus 30:1-10, 34-38; Psalm 26:6-8; Psalm 141:2; Isaiah 6:1-7; Sirach 45:16; Revelation 8:2-4; GIRM 75, 144, 276–277; Ambrose, Commentary on Luke; Athanasius, Canons 106; Ordo Romanus I; Amalar of Metz; William Durand, Rationale IV; Origen, Homilies on Leviticus 13.5; Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae III q.83 a.5
Why does the Catholic Church use incense? Incense is a sign of prayer and sacrifice rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:4) and an expression of reverence. Dr. Pitre examines its scriptural roots and the meaning St. Thomas Aquinas gives it.
When is incense used during Mass? The Roman Missal permits incense at the Entrance, the Gospel, the Offertory, and the elevation after the Consecration. The session walks through each moment.
What are the biblical roots of incense? The altar of incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30), Isaiah's vision of the Temple (Isaiah 6), and the golden censer of Revelation 8 all appear. The video traces the thread.
Want every Sunday and feast explained like this?
Get Dr. Brant Pitre’s complete Mass Readings Explained — a new study for every Sunday and holy day.
I subscribed and offered payment
but I have received nothing I requested???
Please advise
dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
I subscribed and offered payment
but I have received nothing I requested???
Please advise
dgbaugh
Hi David, I see you do have a subscrition. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I have inherited leading a Bible Study based on the Mass Readings for each Sunday. The videos are very helpful in facts and insights to add to my research and prayerful preparations. Thank you for offering these teachings.
