At each Eucharist, we hear the words of Christ breathing peace on the disciples. The “Last Supper Discourse” stayed with the early disciples as an essential gift of the Eucharist, and it has been part of our liturgy. The Communion Rite of Mass has so many vital pieces that wiz by quickly; today, we take some time to reflect on the words of the Mass from Christ and the practice of the ancient custom of sharing in the Sign of Peace. Pius V implemented the first Roman Missal with this gesture for the clergy in 1570; our 1970 Roman Missal (now in its 2011 third edition) finally had participation notes for the congregation and their participation.
The 2003 Introduction to the Order of the Mass, written by the US Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, summarizes the Sign of Peace in paragraphs 127-129:
The exchange of peace prior to the reception of communion is an acknowledgment that Christ, whom we receive in the sacrament, is already present in our neighbor. In this exchange, the assembly acknowledges the insistent Gospel truth that communion with God in Christ is enjoyed in communion with our sisters and brothers in Christ. The rite of peace is not an expression merely of human solidarity or goodwill; it is rather an opening of ourselves and our neighbors to a challenge and a gift from beyond ourselves. Like the Amen at communion, it is the acceptance of a challenge, a profession of faith that we are members, one with another, in the body of Christ.
From the original table of peace to our current ones, may we prepare and live our communion of peace. Popes and peoples for generations have encouraged us to engage in this critical part of Eucharistic living. To whom may I be an instrument of peace today?
Prayer
O God, may I be an instrument of your peace to reveal the glorious splendor of your heavenly reign. Make our lives places of your grace so we may assist the world in its constant struggle for peace among peoples and nations. Through Christ our Lord.