Every part of the Mass echoes scripture from start to
finish. In the communion rite the Priest
says:
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you…
This comes from John
14:27:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
There are many reasons for our hearts to be troubled right
now. The daily genocide continues in Gaza through a stop on humanitarian aid
since the illegal attack on Iran over the weekend. War solves nothing. Only the
Prince of Peace can bring lasting peace.
It begins in our hearts and not in rules or institutions or markets.
These latter things ought to be for us and not the other way round. The ‘Sign
of Peace’ offered at this point of the mass is an important reminder that
reconciliation before we approach the altar is demanded of us. It may seem like
a small thing to shake someone’s hand but it is a prayerful gesture and one
that ought to remind us, after mass, to open our hearts to others who may await
our initiative, forgiveness and help.
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