Peace Out

Richard John Neuhaus in the June/July edition of FIRST THINGS:

Vatican Council II called for the "full, active, and fruitful" participation of the laity, and Benedict emphasizes, as he has before, that this does not mean all busyness all the time. One is fully, actively, and fruitfully participating also when engaged in silent contemplation. The sharing of the Sign of Peace is often a time of distracting busyness, and Benedict urges that it be done solemnly, as a liturgical act, with one or two people close at hand, rather than as a boisterous greeting of one and all as though the Eucharist is old home week. Moreover, he says in a footnote that he has authorized a study of moving the Sign of Peace to the point in the liturgy before the presentation of gifts, "taking into account ancient and venerable customs and the wishes expressed by the synod fathers." That would, I believe, be a distinct improvement. Among its benefits is that it would, as he writes, "serve as a significant reminder of the Lord's insistence that we be reconciled with others before offering our gifts to God."

Amen. I've noticed how distracting the Sign of Peace can be as well. You finish the solemn "Our Father" and are preparing to receive the most holy body and blood of Christ when suddenly people start glad-handing, back-slapping, and carrying on as if we're no longer celebrating Mass but gathered around the water cooler at work. "Hey Bob, good to see you again. How about them Twins?"

At times, you get the impression that the Priest would like nothing more than to clear his throat and ask, "Ahem, ahem. Are we through with the small talk yet? We'd like to move to that whole transubstantiation thing if you don't mind."

There is no doubt that the Sign of Peace has a place at Mass. That place however could be at a much more appropriate place in the liturgy.