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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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
