Incense has been part of Christian worship since the beginning; today, it is carried in procession, and is employed to prepare both priest and people for worship, at the reading of the Gospel and the preparation of the altar for celebration of the Eucharist. At the moment of offertory, the people along with their gifts of bread, wine, and financial offering for the mission and ministry of the church are incensed signify that they have been set apart for a holy use.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, said that whenever the Holy Eucharist is celebrated Christ comes to a place where he already is: the Body of Christ is given to the Body of Christ. Holy Communion is given to the Holy People of God. It is in and through the eucharist that the Christian comes to recognize him or herself, not simply as an individual, but a participant in the redeemed community.
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