What is the significance of the priest/deacon/altar server incensing the congregation?
We are a holy people invited by the Master to his banquet. The ritual invites the priest/deacon/altar server to show reverence to God’s holy people by raising clouds of incense in their direction. We, the congregation, stand. The dictionary states that incense is a material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned. Through incense, the dictionary adds, we can communicate pleasing attention or flattery to someone. Our Sacramentary or Missal, the Churchs large prayer book which the priest uses at Mass, states that incensation is an expression of reverence and prayer.
