Assumption Catholic Church

You did well this week! This is indeed incense - -there are different types, brands, and scents that we choose from. Some are more colorful - this particular one is very pretty.

The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away. In Judaism, incense was included in thanksgiving offerings. The Lord instructed Moses to build a golden altar for the burning of incense (cf. Exodus 30:1-10).

We do not know exactly when the use of incense was introduced into our Mass or other liturgical rites. At the time of the early Church, the Jews continued to use incense in their own Temple rituals, so it would be safe to conclude that the Christians would have adapted its usage for their own rituals.

The purpose of incensing and the symbolic value of the smoke is that of purification and sanctification. Psalm 141 says, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.”

In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal incense may be use during various parts of the Mass to incense the altar, the Gospel, offerings, priest & people.

The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke rising to the heavens and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass which links heaven with earth. ⁽ᴱᵂᵀᴺ⁾

This week's . You may have to use your imagination and smoke out some sort of guess.

Hint: It is not popcorn or trail mix.

Join our livestream for today's Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Fr. Eugene Smith, OSM - PresiderJune 7, 2026REPRINTED / PODCAS...