Do those famous herbs, frankincense and myrrh, chase away darkness?

We all know where we encounter incense, at least sometimes: there are priests, bishops, and cardinals — as well as the Pope — who use frankincense or myrrh or both resins in sacramental censers. Just thinking of it, one can almost smell the lofty aroma.

It certainly brings a certain gravity to Mass (and yet, with that gravity, elevation). Were the herbs so treasured, by wise men, and by royalty, because the plants had spiritual as well as temporal value?

This goes deep into history.

We can cite Genesis (37:25): “Then they sat down to eat a meal. And as they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.”

Myrrh has been used for millennia as incense and medicine: mixed with posca (wine, vinegar, and water) or wine alone, it was common across ancient cultures for general pleasure, probably bartering, and as a painkiller.

You can go back to the fifth dynasty ruler in Egypt (King Sahure): Egyptians brought myrrh in large quantities from the Horn of Africa (especially Somalia). Some believed it had rare properties.

It makes appearances from the beginning of Jesus’ mission on earth to the end. Along with Christ, Who came into the world specifically to break the strongholds of evil, perhaps there is symbology in the role of those resins right there at the start, at the manger.

Note (Matthew 2:11) that they fell to their knees, paying homage to Him with their gifts.

It was there to the end.

At the Crucifixion (Mark 15:23), “They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh” (but He did not take it).

Of course, most famous is Matthew 2:11: “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

In some translations, John 19:39 says, “Joseph [of Arimathea ] and Nicodemus took the body and bound it in linen cloths with the spices (myrrh and aloes).”

Now, what about frankincense?

“Use myrrh with frankincense to put a whammy on bad spirits and demons,” says a secular site, focusing on the supernatural.

Can we put any trust in that? Aren’t we called through life to purify, as Mary was immaculate, preparing for Heaven?

No smoke clears demons unless it is blessed by a priest, and nothing clears spirits like the Name “Jesus,” smoke or not.

[resources: Christmas gifts]

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