Devotion for today: Let us offer each other the sign of peace

This part of the Mass is not always performed. When it is expressed by the laity to each other, it must be done respectfully and soberly so as not to disrupt the solemnity of the Mass. It is an important part of the Mass, however, as we are following the Lord’s command in Matthew 5:23-24, “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” By offering an expression of peace to our neighbors in Mass, we should remember to do so to those people in our lives who drive us crazy. God wants us to live in peace. He wants us to come to Him in the Eucharist with peace, not animosity, in our hearts.

1 Samuel 25:6:  Thus you shall salute him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.

1 Thessalonians 5:26: Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us: 82. The Rite of Peace … by which the Church asks for peace and unity for herself and for the whole human family… the faithful, express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament. As for the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.

This is a good explanation of the Sign of Peace: The Sign of Peace was reintroduced into the Mass when the Liturgy was reformed after Vatican II. For some people, it was a wonderful opportunity to express their love and sense of community. Other people were embarrassed and uncomfortable about the idea of moving around and shaking hands or sharing a kiss of peace with other people. It may be that this single gesture summarizes much of what Liturgical reform was about. At the beginning of this series of articles, we recalled that the Vatican Council was keen that people did not come to the Liturgy as outsiders and observers. The Sign of Peace makes this teaching real!

Although we are the ones making the Sign of Peace, it is, in fact Jesus who has taken the initiative. We have prayed the Lord’s Prayer together - declaring ourselves to be children of the one Father. Then we hear Jesus’ words “I leave you peace, My peace I give you” and a prayer that, because of the Faith of the Church, we may find the peace and unity of His Kingdom. And then, we are invited to make some of that peace and unity real - Let us offer each other a sign of (His) peace... This is a telling moment! In a few moments, we will be sharing communion with those around us. We will come into communion with - we will become the Body of Christ. This Rite - the Sign of Peace - forces us to realize what that means. Our Communion is not simply a private love-affair with our Beloved Lord. It demands that we recognize Him in those around us - those with whom we have shared communion - and those who are not able to share that communion.

In his book, “How to Understand the Liturgy”, Jean Lebon lays down a challenge: “It (the Sign of Peace) is a point where one sees whether the liturgy holds together. If the congregation has not really been welded together during the course of the Mass, then it is useless and inappropriate to perform this action.”

This seems very stern -but emphasizes the importance of what we say we are doing. If we are who we say we are - the Body of Christ - a gathered community - an assembly of God - a congregation of worshipers - then this is the time to show that that means we see one another and can reach out in love and the peace of Christ to our neighbor. http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/the_mass/liturgy_eucharist_sign_of_peace.htm

St. Thomas More: PRO INIMICIS  (last prayer before his execution)

ALMIGHTY GOD, have mercy on N. and N., and on all that bear me evil will, and would me harm, and their faults and mine together, by such easy, tender, merciful means, as Thine infinite wisdom best can devise, vouch-safe to amend and redress, and make us saved souls in heaven together where we may ever live and love together with thee and thy blessed saints. O glorious Trinity, for the bitter passion of our sweet Savior Christ. Amen.

Lord, give me patience in tribulation and grace in everything to conform my will to Thine: that I may truly say: Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in coelo et in terra. (Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven)

The things, good Lord, that I pray for, give me Thy grace to labor for. Amen.

(From English Prayers and Treatise on the Holy Eucharist, by Thomas More, edited by Philip E. Hallett London: Oates and Washbourne, 1938).