Theology in Motion
There are a lot of choices when it comes to donating, and we are so grateful to the benefactor who chose to donate to our parish a new thurible. It is similar to the one that Pope Benedict XVI used in his 2008 visit to the United States of America. We promise to be responsible stewards of both their donation and trust.
The Thurible is not just a liturgical tool, it is a symbol made of metal, fire, and smoke. Every part of it carries a message:
The Ring at the Top – symbolizes God as the Head of the Church, holding all things together.
The Movable Ring – reminds us of Christ who came down from Heaven to save mankind.
The Four Chains – represent the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They hold the censer together just as the Gospels hold the Church’s faith together.
The Lower Part – represents the Church on earth, where prayers and sacrifices are gathered.
The Burning Incense – symbolizes our prayers rising up to Heaven (cf. Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3–4).
The Chains themselves – even they preach: they show that prayer is bound to sacrifice; prayer without sacrifice is incomplete.
The Rising Smoke – veils the priest, so that God alone is seen, not man. The priest disappears, but God is revealed.
Every swing of the thurible is theology in motion. It teaches us that our faith is a harmony of scripture, tradition, prayer, sacrifice, and the communion of the Church.
So next time you see the incense rising, remember: it is your soul, your prayers, your life being lifted to God, united with Christ’s sacrifice on the altar.
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