Before Communion, the priest says "The peace of the Lord be with you," and we offer one another a sign of peace. Here's where it comes from and why it's placed right before we receive the Eucharist.
The Sign of Peace at Mass (Catholic): Its Meaning and Biblical Roots
Just before Communion, the priest says "The peace of the Lord be with you always" and invites the faithful, "Let us offer each other the sign of peace" — a sign the Church asks be given "in a sober manner" and offered to those nearest (GIRM 82). In this session of The Mass Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre traces this "peace" to Jesus' gift at the Last Supper — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27) — and to the risen Christ's Easter greeting, "Peace be with you" (John 20:21), along with the ancient "holy kiss" of St. Paul (1 Corinthians 16:20) and the kiss of peace already described by St. Justin Martyr in the second century. He explains why the Roman Rite places the sign of peace here, after the Consecration and just before Communion: St. Innocent I says the peace comes after the sacred mysteries as the people's "consent" to all that has taken place, and St. Thomas Aquinas calls it a preparation for Communion, "the sacrament of unity and peace" — echoing Jesus' command to be reconciled with your brother before offering your gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23–24).
Key passages & sources examined: "Let us offer each other the sign of peace" and the "sober manner" (Order of Mass 126–128; GIRM 82); "my peace I give to you" (John 14:27); reconciliation before the altar (Matthew 5:23–24); the "holy kiss" (1 Corinthians 16:20; Romans 16:16); St. Justin Martyr on the kiss of peace; and St. Thomas Aquinas on the peace as preparation for Communion (Summa Theologiae III, q. 83).
Where does the Sign of Peace come from? Jesus' gift of peace at the Last Supper (John 14:27) and the risen Christ's greeting (John 20:21); the early "holy kiss" appears in St. Paul (1 Corinthians 16:20).
Why is it right before Communion? It prepares us to receive "the sacrament of unity and peace" (Aquinas), recalling Jesus' command to be reconciled before offering our gift (Matthew 5:23–24).
How should the sign of peace be given? "In a sober manner," offered to those nearest to you (GIRM 82).
How old is it? St. Justin Martyr already describes the kiss of peace in the second century.
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Approximately two years ago, I began subscribing to "Mass Readings Explained". At the time I was the leader of a small group of Catholics in my parish who wanted to start a Faith and Fellowship group. We decided to concentrate in our meeting on the upcoming readings for Sunday's Catholic Mass. My Group loves Dr. Pitre because he brings so much to his presentation of the Sunday Mass readings. We are trying to convince the entire parish to follow Dr. Pitre's weekly review of Sunday's readings. I find that I listen to Dr. Pitre's presentation two or three times before our meeting and it helps me know when to stop and start the presentation so that we can engage in discussion about what we have just learned. Without hesitation, everyone in our small group of 8 would heartily endorse Dr. Pitre's work.
The first CD skimmed and skipped and I was not able to listen to it. I have returned it to you by mail so that you can test it and hear for yourselves the poor quality of the CD.
Hi Paul, we're sorry to hear about the issue with your CD. Please email me (Michael@CatholicProductions.com) a good address and I will send you a replacement.
I'm amazed by these lectures, I learn so many things and I hear so many things Ive never heard before. Love how dr Brant Pitre answers complicated questions at the end of the lectures.
Approximately two years ago, I began subscribing to "Mass Readings Explained". At the time I was the leader of a small group of Catholics in my parish who wanted to start a Faith and Fellowship group. We decided to concentrate in our meeting on the upcoming readings for Sunday's Catholic Mass. My Group loves Dr. Pitre because he brings so much to his presentation of the Sunday Mass readings. We are trying to convince the entire parish to follow Dr. Pitre's weekly review of Sunday's readings. I find that I listen to Dr. Pitre's presentation two or three times before our meeting and it helps me know when to stop and start the presentation so that we can engage in discussion about what we have just learned. Without hesitation, everyone in our small group of 8 would heartily endorse Dr. Pitre's work.
The first CD skimmed and skipped and I was not able to listen to it. I have returned it to you by mail so that you can test it and hear for yourselves the poor quality of the CD.
Hi Paul, we're sorry to hear about the issue with your CD. Please email me (Michael@CatholicProductions.com) a good address and I will send you a replacement.
I'm amazed by these lectures, I learn so many things and I hear so many things Ive never heard before. Love how dr Brant Pitre answers complicated questions at the end of the lectures.
