FAQ: Frankincense and Christianity

FAQ: Frankincense and Christianity

1. Why is Frankincense used in Church?

· Frankincense, a resin derived from the Boswellia tree, has long been used in religious ceremonies. In Christianity, it's used during Mass to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising to God. The aromatic smoke represents purification, sanctification, and the connection between Heaven and Earth. The burning of incense, including frankincense, serves to elevate the sacred atmosphere of worship, representing the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the faithful ascending to the divine.

2. Which of the Magi brought Frankincense to Jesus at the Epiphany?

· Gaspar, one of the three Magi, is traditionally associated with bringing frankincense as a gift to the infant Jesus. Frankincense symbolizes the divinity of Christ, and Gaspar’s gift represents his recognition of Jesus as God.

3. What is Frankincense?

· Frankincense is the hardened resin from the Boswellia tree, found mainly in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy aroma and is

used as incense in many religious and cultural ceremonies. In the Bible, frankincense is mentioned several times, particularly as part of the offerings and worship of God.

4. What does Frankincense symbolize in Christian tradition?

· Frankincense symbolizes prayer and contemplation, as it is believed to represent the prayers of the saints rising to God. In the Bible, the Book of Revelation particularly connects incense with prayer: "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4).

5. Why is Frankincense used during Mass?

· During Mass, the use of frankincense is rich with symbolism. The incense signifies the prayers of the people ascending to God, and the act of incensing the altar, the priest, and the people reflects purification and sanctification. The smoke is a visible sign of the sacredness of the Mass and the heavenly worship happening on Earth. In liturgical settings, frankincense is used to incenses the altar, Gospel, offerings, and the faithful as a way of honoring the sacred and linking Earth with Heaven.

6. What is the biblical connection to Frankincense?

· Frankincense appears throughout the Bible in several books, including Exodus, Leviticus, Isaiah, and Revelation. The first mention of frankincense in the Bible is in Exodus 30:34, where Moses is instructed to use frankincense in worship. In the New Testament, it is one of the gifts offered to Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11) and also appears in the Book of Revelation, where incense is described as symbolic of the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4).

7. Is Frankincense used outside of Catholic traditions?

· Yes! Frankincense is also used in Eastern Orthodox churches, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions. In some cultures, it is used in rituals, ceremonies, and for its medicinal properties. In Hinduism and Buddhism, incense is burned as an offering to deities during worship.

8. How is Frankincense prepared for use?

· Frankincense is typically collected as hardened resin from the Boswellia tree. The resin is then crushed into small pebbles or powdered before being burned as incense. It is often burned in a censer, or thurible, where it produces aromatic smoke. A server, known as the thurifer, swings the censer to incense the altar, people, or specific objects during Mass.

9. What other types of incense are used in religious worship?

· Along with frankincense, myrrh is another common incense used in Christian worship, especially in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Myrrh has a more bitter, earthy scent, symbolizing suffering and the humanity of Christ. Together, frankincense (representing

Christ's divinity) and myrrh (representing His humanity) highlight the dual nature of Christ.

10. How does Frankincense relate to the Eucharist?

· Frankincense is a powerful reminder of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Just as the incense rises to God, so do our prayers in the form of the Eucharistic offering. The use of frankincense during Mass invites worshipers to reflect on the divine nature of Jesus Christ, especially in the Holy Eucharist, where the faithful receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

11. How is Frankincense used in Christian art and tradition?

· Frankincense is often depicted in Christian art, particularly during the Nativity scene, where Gaspar (one of the Magi) is shown offering it to the Christ child. It symbolizes divinity and is part of the traditional gifts of the Magi, representing the worship of the infant Jesus as God. In artistic depictions, Gaspar is frequently shown as a king from India, carrying frankincense, while the other Magi offer gold and myrrh, representing Christ’s kingship and humanity.

12. What is the significance of the Frankincense offering in the Epiphany?

· The offering of frankincense to Jesus by the Magi symbolizes recognition of His divinity. In Christian theology, the gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are interpreted as representing Christ’s kingship, divinity, and humanity, respectively. The frankincense offering serves as a gesture of worship, acknowledging Jesus as the divine King.

13. Can I use Frankincense for personal prayer or meditation?

· Absolutely! Frankincense can be used as an aid in personal prayer, meditation, or adoration. Just as the incense rises during Mass, burning frankincense during personal prayer can help focus the mind and heart on the sacred and allow you to spiritually connect with God.

14. Is there any connection between Frankincense and the Holy Spirit?

· Yes! The aromatic smoke of the incense is often associated with the Holy Spirit. In the Catholic tradition, incense symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the rising smoke can be seen as a visual representation of the Spirit’s work within the Church and the faithful. Just as the smoke ascends to heaven, so does the Spirit move within the hearts of believers.