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Q:Why is incense used during a funeral Mass and regular Masses throughout the year?
(Ann)
Dear Ann:
Incense is an aromatic substance which is obtained from the bark or sap of certain resinous trees or plants. It is largely employed for purposes of religious worship , but is also used in varnishes, paints, inks or medicines. Already in the Old Testament (Num 7:14; Deut 33:10) we find references to incense which was often blended with other ingredients in order to produce the proper fragrance or thicker smoke (Canticle 3:6).
You may remember that incense was one of the gifts presented to the Christ child by the Magi. The Bible speaks of Jesus being given 'frankincense', a fragrant gum which since ancient times had been burned as incense during religious ceremonies. There are numerous references to incense in the Old Testament. Perhaps you recall how, when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, he also instructed him to build an altar "on which to burn incense." (Exodus 30: 1-10) There are also several references in the New Testament. In Luke (1: 8-25), for example, the priest Zechariah is burning incense in the sanctuary of the temple when the angel Gabriel appears to tell him his wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son who is to be named John.
Over the years, incense came to symbolize the ascent of the prayers of the faithful to God. The psalmist says (Psalm 141): "My prayers rise like incense". Not only does this rising incense signify prayer, but the sweet smell of the incense is representative of Christian virtue, and, as one writer put it, "of the ambience (special atmosphere) of heaven." The burning of incense in the thurible (the metal container suspended by chains) can also represent the fire of love which should consume every Christian. Perhaps you have noticed, too, from your own experience, how the use of incense at Mass can serve to heighten the sense of solemnity and mystery.
When the priest uses incense, the act is known as 'incensing'. The Vatican, in co-operation with local bishops, provides various guidelines for the use of incense. The priest, for example, may incense the lectern prior to the proclamation of the gospel. On some occasions he may also incense the altar, and here the smoke of the incense has the added symbolism of purification and sanctification. In the example you cite, a funeral Mass, the priest usually incenses the coffin to symbolize the prayers of the community for the deceased, and to remind us of the holiness of a body which, through Baptism, became a temple of the Holy Spirit.
God bless,
Father Norbert