The sign of peace

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).

There is ample evidence that the “Kiss of Peace” formed part of Christian worship from a very early period. Saint Justin Martyr describes the exchange of a kiss before the Eucharist in his First Apology (c. AD 155), demonstrating that the practice was already present in Christian worship by the middle of the second century. Over time the rite became increasingly formalised and, in many places, was largely restricted to clergy and sanctuary ministers until its wider restoration in the twentieth century.

In some ancient liturgies the Sign of Peace takes place before the presentation of the gifts. Many Anglican liturgies retain this arrangement. Ironically, the Sign of Peace largely disappeared from the liturgies of many Reformation churches in the sixteenth century despite the New Testament’s repeated exhortations to greet one another with a holy kiss, albeit not explicitly in a liturgical context.

One of the casualties of the Covid pandemic was the demise of the Sign of Peace at the Eucharist in many – though by no means all – congregations. In my view, this is a pity.  When we are given the opportunity to exchange the Sign of Peace at Mass, let us do so sincerely, prayerfully and meaningfully.

As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal reminds us:

It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.

Cultural norms naturally influence how the Sign of Peace is exchanged. In some cultures a handshake is customary; in others a bow, a nod of the head, or a brief verbal greeting may be more appropriate. In large churches, where worshippers may be widely dispersed, a respectful nod or gesture can convey the same intention.

What matters is not the precise gesture but the reality it expresses: reconciliation, communion with one another, and the peace of Christ shared within his Body, the Church.

Farewell of Saints Peter and Paul, showing the Apostles giving each other the holy kiss before their martyrdom.

By Alonzo Rodriguez - Accascina,