This past week Bishop Taylor asked us to TEMPORARILY change some of what we do during the Mass as precautions due to the threat posed by transmitted sicknesses such as the flu and possibly even the Coronavirus. One of these suggestons involves the Sign of Peace and encourages us to offer the sign of Christ's peace to those nearby with a bow in place of a handshake. I suspect it will be hard for some to follow this since we are so in the habit of reaching out to a few (or many people) around us with a handshake and a word or words of wishing the peace of Christ upon those people (if that is what you are doing). I hope we can do our best to follow this practice at least for a time. I also know there are probably some people who remember a time in which this gesture was not part of the Mass as they grew up (before Vatican II) and still wish it had not been added since it, in their estimation, interrupts the "reverence and prayerfulness" of the Mass.
Actually, the earliest record of the sign of peace happening during the Mass goes all the way back to St. Justin Martyr (who lived in the 2nd century). At that time, it was placed after the Prayer of the Faithful and just before the bread and wine were brought forward: "When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss." (CCC 1345). This placement was certainly influenced by Mth 5: 23-24 where Jesus admonishes his followers to make peace among themselves before bringing their gift to the altar. It moved to other places in the liturgy until it disappeared from the Mass by the 1474 Missal.
Discussions at Vatican Council II were in favor of restoring the practice, with some encouraging its placement immediately after the Prayer of the Faithful as it was done in the time of St. Justin. While it was ultimately decided to put it where it currently is, and the gesture of exchange be decided by each bishop's conference in accord with the culture and customs of the people within their jurisdiction, one thing that is said in the Instruction is: "It is appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace IN A SOBER MANNER, ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE NEAREST TO THEM. (GIRM 82). I have to admit that this directive, in practice, has not been taught and stressed to most congregations which has resulted in prolonged greetings by some to MANY who are nearby and NOT in a "sober" manner.
While I recognize how challenging it will be in the short term to refrain from shaking hands with the people "nearest" to us, even more challenging to some, I think, is to make this time and gesture more "sober" and not a time to greet many people around us in a jovial and friendly manner. I would ask us to try respecting the prayerfulness of the Mass INCLUDING this ancient practice of the Sign (or kiss) of Peace and not feel the need to encounter with this gesture everyone who anywhere are within arm's reach. Indeed, I know this would be (or will be?) tougher to do than just refraining from handshakes for the short term.
Actually, the earliest record of the sign of peace happening during the Mass goes all the way back to St. Justin Martyr (who lived in the 2nd century). At that time, it was placed after the Prayer of the Faithful and just before the bread and wine were brought forward: "When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss." (CCC 1345). This placement was certainly influenced by Mth 5: 23-24 where Jesus admonishes his followers to make peace among themselves before bringing their gift to the altar. It moved to other places in the liturgy until it disappeared from the Mass by the 1474 Missal.
Discussions at Vatican Council II were in favor of restoring the practice, with some encouraging its placement immediately after the Prayer of the Faithful as it was done in the time of St. Justin. While it was ultimately decided to put it where it currently is, and the gesture of exchange be decided by each bishop's conference in accord with the culture and customs of the people within their jurisdiction, one thing that is said in the Instruction is: "It is appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace IN A SOBER MANNER, ONLY TO THOSE WHO ARE NEAREST TO THEM. (GIRM 82). I have to admit that this directive, in practice, has not been taught and stressed to most congregations which has resulted in prolonged greetings by some to MANY who are nearby and NOT in a "sober" manner.
While I recognize how challenging it will be in the short term to refrain from shaking hands with the people "nearest" to us, even more challenging to some, I think, is to make this time and gesture more "sober" and not a time to greet many people around us in a jovial and friendly manner. I would ask us to try respecting the prayerfulness of the Mass INCLUDING this ancient practice of the Sign (or kiss) of Peace and not feel the need to encounter with this gesture everyone who anywhere are within arm's reach. Indeed, I know this would be (or will be?) tougher to do than just refraining from handshakes for the short term.