Memorial of Saint Scholastica, virgin

Lectionary: 329

When the priests left the holy place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud,

since the LORD’s glory had filled the temple of the LORD.

Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud; I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever.”

Catholics are familiar with holy smoke. We bring out the incense on solemn occasions, especially Christmas and Easter. We incense the altar and the gifts on the altar; the crucifix over the altar, the celebrant, concelebrants, deacons, choir, readers, and the congregation. With the smoke we honor the many images of God.

This custom has ancient roots. When prehistoric traders like Abraham were driving caravans of mules through the Fertile Crescent, they carried exotic fabrics, gems, spices, and incense. Later generations might deliver more mundane goods like wine and grain by ship, but transport by land is too expensive for everything but the most valued goods. And incense was always treasured for its rich, evocative smells.

Incense has many uses. It can cover the unpleasant odors of a crowd of people in a small space. It is often used for healing. Saint Peter Claver used smells to minister to the African slaves as they arrived in America. But its preferred usage is religious. In a sacred setting, with attention fixed upon the Divine Presence, a scent stirs strong feelings and deep memories.

Vietnam Veterans speak of the smell of diesel or jet fuel which instantly transports them back to a subtropical peninsula in southeast Asia. The rancid smell of a high school locker room evokes fond memories in many Boomers. There is something transcendent about our sense of smell; it connects us to the Eternal Divine. That's why we use incense in our ceremonies.

There are many passages in the Bible about clouds, smoke, and incense. The Lord appeared to Moses in a a cloud on Mount Sinai; he led the Hebrews through the desert in a column of smoke. And the Father spoke from a terrifying cloud to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor, "This is my beloved son. Listen to him!"

The word smoke appears 92 times in the NRSV Bible;  incense 139 times​, cloud, 177 times.

All of these references to clouds, smoke, and incense come together in today's reading from 1 Kings 8. As the priests were consecrating their brand new temple with sweet smelling incense, "the cloud filled the temple of the LORD" and they could nor reenter the chamber. King Solomon responded prophetically, "The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud...."

There may be some monasteries of women today who will use incense to celebrate their foundress, Saint Scholastica. I don't suppose many parish churches will bring it out today; and I wouldn't dare use it in a hospital chapel. But I am confident the Church will retain this custom as we retain the Bible. In our preoccupied world of innumerable distractions, we must use all of our senses -- sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell  -- to usher us into the Divine Presence of God.