The Presence of Jesus

Homily for Thursday of the Sixth Week in Eastertide

Despite the fact that Jesus has ascended to heaven, he is still with us. While he is not visible to us in human form, he promised to remain with his church until the end of the age. His presence is now a hidden one. He is spiritually present even if not directly perceived. His presence is manifest in many ways.

The recent election of a new pontiff has surfaced questions among non-Catholics, especially those in the media, about certain practices. I read of one yesterday that made me smile. Somebody asked why we incense the people themselves. The answer to the question reveals just how many ways the Lord Jesus is present to us.

Incensing in Catholic liturgy is a symbolic act of reverence and prayer. The use of incense is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it represents prayers rising to God. At the beginning of Mass, the altar and the cross are incensed as a sign of respect for the place where the Eucharistic sacrifice occurs. During the Gospel procession and proclamation, the Book of the Gospels is incensed to honor the Word of God. After the bread and chalice are placed on the altar, the offerings, the cross, and the altar are incensed, followed by the priest and the congregation. This signifies the sanctification of all present and their participation in the sacred mystery. Each of these elements are incensed because they revealed the presence of Jesus to us in different ways.

This practice enhances the solemnity of the Mass and reminds the faithful of the sacred nature of the liturgy. The Church teaches us that Jesus is present whenever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus. One of the Easter prefaces reminds us that Jesus is the altar, the priest, and the sacrificial offering. While the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, let us not forget that Jesus is present in the Word of God as well as in God’s holy people.