Apr 30 Thu
Why do we give peace to one another before Communion?
During the Last Supper, our Lord made his disciples aware of the importance of peace, the fruit of charity. Many times, He spoke of unity, of the spirit of service, of humility, of charity. These are virtues and dispositions of the soul that can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
Jesus then made a gesture of profound humility: “He got up from the table, removed his outer garment and, taking a towel, began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel.”
The Lord’s action and attire were those of a slave. He himself explained the meaning of this act of humility: “If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.”
We, his disciples, are invited to love and serve others and not be afraid of placing ourselves last. In the Eucharist, the sacrament of love, the Lord gives himself to us in sacrifice. His love impels him to lay down his life for us. We receive from this sacrament the strength to commit ourselves to a life of service and dedication to others, to spread the peace and love of God.
Humility, charity, and spirit of service are virtues and dispositions of the soul that can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and, to make this point clear, greeted them, “Peace be with you.”
The early Christians lived well this point of their spirit. St. Paul bore witness to their charity and unity, at times greeting them with the symbolic kiss of peace. And so, it entered the ancient liturgy.
Initially, the rite of peace was set before the Offertory. It followed the Prayer of the Faithful and, at that point, could be seen as a sign of love before the gifts were offered. Perhaps, it was placed there in remembrance of this passage in the Gospel:
If you are bringing your offering to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
Often, the significance of this gesture is not fully understood. Some may think that it is an occasion to give a high-five to friends. Rather, while one is preparing for Communion in an atmosphere of inner recollection, the sign of peace is a way of saying to the person beside you that the peace of Christ, really present on the altar, is also with each of us.
Later, this rite became an obligatory prelude to Communion.
We feel our souls flooded with peace; that is the consequence of our divine filiation and a fraternity well lived, centered in Christ. Men lose their peace when they lack filiation and fraternity. “I realize I am a son of God; if the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear?”
Pic: Coptic illustration of the Last Supper