Posted on 12/29/2014 4:13:04 PM PST by NYer
The Maronite Catholic Church Sign of Peace
The sign of peace occurs just after the offertory, or more precisely, immediately prior to the Eucharistic prayer. It is a reminder that we gather and celebrate as one community, one body of Christ. Eucharist is not a personal matter but a public and community event. This early insert of the sign of peace is a further reminder that before we even think of communion and unity in the Eucharist, we acknowledge the unity of one another. As Scripture states, ‘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’ (Mt 5:23-24). Peace is exchanged from the altar without words but by a simple gesture of hands open to receive the hands that are joined to give.The sign of peace is also different from the Latin Rite. The priest kisses the altar (which symbolizes Christ), places his hands on the chalice, then passes God's peace to the deacon, who then gives it to the acolyte. The acolyte then passes it to four children, who pass it to the first person in each pew. The peace is then passed from one person to the next. This approach is very rich indeed! Visitors always smile at the simplicity and beauty of this exchange.
Ping!
No one I know likes it. not in 40 years.
it’s stupid.
And it’s after consecration.
I refuse to turn my back to the Eucharist for this.
I despise that sign of peace garbage. I don’t want to gladhand during Mass
Agree 100%
I’ve read somewhere that it is optional and have attended a Mass where it was not done.
When I hear the term ‘sign of peace’ I presume what is meant refers to the parishioners who engage in the ten minutes of handshaking, hugging and waving that now occur near the end of mass. I can do without this, except perhaps on feast days, but I’m not sure if that is the topic here. It’s difficult to penetrate the formal language used in this article.
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Correct. Mass is not a block party.
I don’t like it but I’d be okay if it were moved and made more formal. It’s nice to see who’s in church with you and give them a nod, but the grip and grin needs to go. And it certainly shouldn’t be where it is.
The old rite actually had a moment for this, but it had disappeared by the 19th century or possibly even before. There was an object called a pax that used to be passed around from the celebrant to the servers and then to the congregation, which passed it around.
BUMP
I never forget to carry a bottle hand sanitizer when I go to Mass. I would prefer the Buddhist custom of keeping your hands to yourself, unless there is a hot looking babe who wants to give me a hug.
Exactly. It's almost impossible to do it in a way that corresponds to the holy fear --- and I mean a grave high joy--- that should accompany what just happened at the altar. I participate, but I'm painfully aware that I'm falling way short of the solemnity which is, in fact, strictly required.
I absolutely refuse to go to a Mass where our parochial schoolchildren are in attendance: it becomes a genuine scandal. And this is not the fault of the children. It is the fault of adults who should know better --- and I mean, starting in the Vatican.
Just remove it.
I refuse to applaud for anything during Mass. it is NOT a Disney production.
Anyone who does anything at Mass does it for the glory of God and should be ashamed to accept applause.
The music should be from the back, the balcony/choir loft.
once, our second graders sang and did it so well, synchronized and joyful that Father simply said how well done it was. No one dreamed of applauding.
And I tell anyone who cares about such things that there are places to go to applaud and rally and hold hands and sig and clap.
Btu we don’t do that.
and the Catholic music is put aside as not being worthy of that of the Baptists.
Of course it isn’t it’s not the same thing.
The most beautiful music in the Western World is from the Classic Catholic tradition.
WE throw it away.
ironic, but so dopey. Catholics are dopey like republicans are.
They need to just quit being ashamed. T quit trying to entertain everyone and their kids.
Mass is fro Mass Fro worshipping God. Not to spend our entire day in prayer and our entire lives in poverty and solemnity, just at Mass and could we just do that. ?
One mass per week per parish.
They’d see the men come back to mass. I’m a girl, but I know men don’t like this.
They flock to the Latin Mass here at night, Gregorian chant no hand holding,
They would not dream in their wildest dreams of applauding
The Maronite rite does the sign of peace right. It is in keeping with the Biblical command to make peace with one another before your offer your gift at the alter.
I agree with you, except that I don’t understand what’s wrong with having Mass every day?
I’d be happy to see it removed.
I was an altar boy, years ago. My Mom took one of my non Catholic pals to the Mass I was serving. When the time came, the lady next to him, shook hands, and said “Peace be with you”. Misunderstanding what was said, he replied “Oh, pleased to be with you, too !”.
Sanitizer—absolutely! Especially during the winter season of flu, colds, and whatever that snotty kid in front of me has on his hands!
Sign of Peace in NO Service = peanuts
The NO Service = the whole enchilada
Time to return to pre-Vatican II and lose the NO. Just say NO to NO. Just say NO to the protestantization of the Mass.
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