The exchange of the Peace at St. James’ is exceptional and stressful all at the same time. Our exchange of peace is joyful, spirit-filled, distracting and entirely too long according to some members. Having experienced all of these things first hand, I decided it was time for us to begin a discussion around the intent and timing of passing the peace during our worship. The bible is filled with references to passing the peace that date back to the time of the New Testament. (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; I Thess. 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). When I pass and receive the peace at St. James’, I feel love, affection, and greeting. There is no doubt in my mind that this is partly what was intended by including this as part of our liturgy on a weekly basis. While these are all great reasons for us to share the peace with one another none of them are the primary reason. Ultimately, it is the sharing of the peace that is gifted to us by the risen Christ (John 20:19, 21, 26).
The peace is also a sign of reconciliation. In the early church if you were unwilling to exchange the peace with anyone in good standing with the congregation you were not allowed to receive communion (Matt. 5:23-24).
There is an ancient connection between the prayers of the people and the peace. It is easier to see that connection on the occasions that we omit the confession of sin. Those who are assembled pray for the gift of God’s peace to the whole church and to the whole world, and for people everywhere according to their need, so they share that peace with each other.
As you can see the peace we exchanged is described as many wonderful things from the expression of love and joy to one another to the sharing of the peace first given to us through the love and sacrifice of the risen Christ.
At no time was the peace described as a social time to catch up with our friends whom we have not seen in a while. It is not a time to exchange phone numbers or news of an event or any of the many other misuses of this time.
Please remember the peace is a sacred time deeply rooted in the beginnings of the church and our belief in Christ. I ask that you consider responding during the peace in one of many appropriate ways. Eye contact with hand shakes, hugs and the words, “Peace” or “God’s Peace” or “The Peace of the Lord”. Please make sure to offer the peace to those you do not know around you, which will include any visitors. Please consider only exchanging peace with those who are in your section and not those on the other side of the church.
We are quickly approaching the season of Lent. Starting with the first Sunday of Lent, February 26th, and running through the entire season of Lent, we will observe a silent peace. You are still encouraged to shake hands and offer hugs, while exchanging the peace, but to do so in silence. Exchanging the peace this way gives us an opportunity to share the peace of God and reflect on what it is we are doing when we share and receive the offer of God’s peace. I am interested in hearing your responses to what I have shared about the exchange of the peace. I am also interested in you sharing with me how you experienced the silent peace during the Lenten season. I pray this was a helpful blog article. I look forward to your feedback.
May God’s Peace Be with You,
Father Reggie+
Bibliography
Galley, Howard E. The Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A Guide to Celebration. Cowley Productions; Cambridge, Mass. 1989.
Flancher, Arlene and Wilson, Barbara S. ed. The Episcopal Handbook. Augsburg Fortress; Philadelphia, PA 19106. Church Publishing; New York, NY 10016. 2008
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