Posted on 10/29/2003 7:07:44 AM PST by NYer
Q: Is it OK for the priest to come down during the peace offering to shake hands with the congregation? I hear this is wrong and I'd really like to know if it is or not since it makes me uneasy about our doing something inappropriate. -- I.S., San Ysidro, California
A: The new General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM), with approved adaptations for the United States, refers to this question in No. 154: "The priest may give the sign of peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration. In the dioceses of the United States of America, for a good reason, on special occasions (for example, in the case of a funeral, a wedding, or when civic leaders are present) the priest may offer the sign of peace to a few of the faithful near the sanctuary. At the same time, in accord with the decisions of the Conference of Bishops, all offer one another a sign that expresses peace."
For the moment the above exceptions, which are quite reasonable, apply only within the United States as almost no other episcopal conference has submitted a translation for the Holy See's approval.
The reason the GIRM dwells on this point is to put the kiss of peace into its proper context as a brief, and relatively unimportant rite in preparation for Communion; in fact, few realize that it is actually optional. It is the forthcoming Communion, not the priest, nor the good feelings we harbor toward our neighbors, that is the reason and source of the peace we desire for our fellows and the peace we receive from them. As GIRM 82 says, in the Rite of Peace: "the Church asks for peace and unity for herself and for the whole human family, and the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament."
So, when the celebrant walks down the aisle shaking hands, the gesture, despite his good intentions, tends to inordinately draw attention to his person, as if he, and not the Lord, were the source of the peace that only Christ can give. Sometimes we priests can forget that being a "Pontifex" means being a bridge, and a bridge serves its purpose only when we walk over it, not when we admire it from a distance.
The gestures of the faithful, while respecting local custom, they should avoid excess exuberance and ebullience, again according to GIRM 82: "as to the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner."
At the same time when this rite is done well it can be very effective spiritually. Dr. Bernard Nathanson, for example, has written of the powerful impression caused by witnessing this gesture at a Catholic Mass as he struggled to leave behind radical atheism and find, first belief in God, and eventually, acceptance of the Catholic faith.
Oh how I agree!! It truly is sanity control. Lately, I have stopped watching the news - too much vitriol and liberal views. What's left? Radio and EWTN.
My (liberal) pastor despises EWTN ... which is one more reason to watch it :-D
My fav though, is Fr. Pablo Straub. In the words of Mother Angelica "HE'S AWESOME!!!"
Since I work nights and have for 14 years, I got out of the TV habit a long time ago. I have the radio (political talk shows usually) on during the day but I have gotten into the habit of having EWTN on the TV although I am usually busy doing other stuff and not actually watching it. I love "The Journey Home" and tonight's "EWTN Live" with Fr. Pakwa and Raymond Arroyo's "World Over Live" on Friday nights. I like Fr. Levis' and Fr. Trigilio's question and answer show on Saturday afternoons but I almost always miss it because we aren't usually home at that time.
EWTN helps me keep my sanity!
Not a problem, really. You can watch some of their programs directly from their web site!
For those interested, the Regina Apostolorum is run by the Legionaries of Christ, the Priestly branch of Regnum Christi. They are very orthodox!
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