THE GREETING OF PEACE WITHIN THE MASS

greeting of peace

In the celebration of Mass, before going to Communion, to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we make the greeting of peace. It is not a simple gesture of courtesy, but a true commitment to ourselves and to those around us to overcome divisions and become instruments of peace. “If, therefore, you bring your gift to the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go, be reconciled first to your brother, and then come and present your gift (Mt 5:23-24).

To give the greeting of peace, it is not necessary to greet all those attending the Mass. Peace is given in a serene way to those closest to us, without making much fuss. It is a gesture of reconciliation with others, it is a sign of communion.

This is a sacred time when divisions in the body of Christ are healed through God’s grace passing among us. This healing is intended to bring about authentic communion with one another as we prepare to receive and share our deepest communion with God in the Eucharist.

Fr. Tarcisio