Why do we give the Sign of Peace at Mass?
Catechism Meditation:
Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic “Prince of Peace.” By the blood of his Cross, “in his own person he killed the hostility,” he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God. “He is our peace.” He has declared: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” ―No. 2305
REFLECTION. The “sign of peace” is an exchange of gestures within the Holy Mass where following the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, the priest or deacon says, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace” (or some variation of this). And we do so by greeting one another with a symbolic gesture. Prior to Covid, the sign of peace often meant shaking hands with those around you while saying “peace be with you”. Today, however, the sign of peace is usually a friendly wave or merely a raised hand. Sometimes it’s a simple smile, a nod of the head or even the old hippie peace sign with two fingers extended in a V-shape. But is this “hippie peace” the kind of peace Jesus intended to bring us?
The sign of peace, as expressed at Mass, is a gesture that symbolizes the peace of Christ and the unity of the Church. It is not a direct reference to the hippie peace sign but rather a reflection of the peace and love that Jesus taught. The sign of peace is a way for the faithful to express communion and mutual charity before receiving Holy Communion. It may be helpful to recall that the sign of peace happens shortly after the Bread and Wine have miraculously become the Body and Blood of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross has become present to us on the altar. Jesus has died for us, right before our eyes, and his Body and Blood are on the altar, ready for us to receive. Just a few minutes after the sign of peace, we are invited to approach the altar and consume the Body and Blood of Christ.
Ultimately, the sign of peace is a moment of healing that prepares us for the even greater healing of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a highly symbolic act that is meant to point towards the disposition of heart required for receiving the Holy Eucharist. It reminds the faithful that in order to be in full communion with Christ, one must first “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength,” and not forget to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:30-31). Regardless of how you engage in the sign of peace (a hug, handshake, wave, smile, or nod), let us remember the words of Jesus Christ — “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (Jn 14:27) — and recognize the presence of Christ in one another.
PRAYER. Lord Jesus Christ, who so often said, “Peace be with you” – fill our hearts with Your peace.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“Peace is not a passive but an active virtue. Our Lord never said, ‘Blessed are the peaceful,’ but ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen