Luke: 1:8-10 “Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.”

Chosen. I’ve been chosen to enter the temple and offer incense to the Lord. I am feeling unworthy, but the lot fell my way and I am here to serve. I bow my head and speak softly under my breath, “But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” (Psalm 66:19)

As I prepare to enter this sacred place, my heart beats out an anxious rhythm causing my feet to want to rush ahead faster than I should. I keep taking deep breaths to try to calm my fears. I can hear the faint sounds from outside these walls as the people are gathering, praying and lifting their hearts to the Lord at this hour of incense.  Interceding for them is my life’s work. It is what You have called me to do. Yet right now, here in this place, it is just You and me.

Lord, do you hear me? Have mercy on us. We, Your children, have been waiting for so long for the Messiah. I know we are not a perfect people, but we are trying to be faithful in the midst of this Roman occupation. Forgive us and come to our aid. We all carry such burdens at this time. My wife and I have such an ache in our hearts.

As I look down at the coals I carried in with me, I can feel the heat as they glow from within. I sprinkle the tiny grains of incense into the bowl, and they begin to burn, the billowy smoke rising and swirling in the air around me. Caught on the gentle currents of air, it appears to carry our prayers up to the heavens. I let my mind imagine it is my voice and those from outside, crying out to You through the tendrils of white smoke drifting higher and higher. Please Lord, hear my voice.

The fragrant scent surrounding me clings to the fibers of my robe and seeps into my skin, becoming a part of me. When I leave here, this scent will come with me, just as the people’s prayers stay in my heart. In this moment, I will allow all of my senses to be aware of You as I gaze around me in this temple at the majesty of who You are. Lord, hear my voice and come to me.

Reflection Questions: Have you ever paid close attention to the incense at Mass? As Father swings the thurifer over the ambo before the Gospel is read, or around the altar before the consecration of the bread and wine, have you observed the tendrils of smoke rising and swirling around? What prayers are you bringing to the altar? Just as Zechariah mentioned above, incense is meant to show you in a tangible way that your prayers are being lifted to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to imagine at Mass that my prayers are mingling with the scent of the incense and drifting up to heaven where you hear my voice and rejoice in my faith. Help me to remember that at every Mass and every time I come before you with my prayers, you are pleased with me and my trust in You. Help me to trust you even more! Amen.