Question: Why do people shake hands at Mass?
Answer: The Sign of Peace is a powerful gesture and reminder that we participate in the Eucharist not as isolated individuals but as members of the Body of Christ. It calls us to be reconciled with one another before we approach the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). It is also an expression of friendship, communion and goodwill towards those gathered around us. In exchanging the Sign of Peace, we are wishing the peace of Christ upon our neighbours, recalling the words of the Risen Lord who greeted his disciples, saying, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19–26).
There are numerous
references in the New Testament to Christians greeting one another with a “holy
kiss”: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians
5:26 and 1 Peter 5:14. Saint Paul reminds us:
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17).
