I haven’t been to your parish. Is it really such a party atmosphere? I think of the sign of peace as somewhat more dignified, acknowledging that we are all members of the one Body of Christ (as in 1 Corinthians 12:27) or making peace with our fellow man (Matthew 5:9 and 5:23-24). I think it is compatible with the Eucharist.
I think of John 13:1 or Matthew 25:40.
I can’t disagree.
Food for thought. :tiphat:
At daily Mass it really does seem out of hand. The Cathedral is huge. And we’re talking maybe 40 attendees that sit greatly spread out from each other. People turn around and wave to the whole congregation, leave pews etc. On the weekends, there are a lot more people present and it’s much more solemn.
Whoa.
I feel the same way. And there are others as well at the weekday Mass I attend. I’ve noticed them do much the same, bowing their heads and waiting for the Agnus Dei to begin.
The sign of peace as you say is part of the Mass but participating in it does not oblige us to shake hands. I keep my hands together and simply slightly bow my head to the various people near me and say peace be with you.
There is no requirement to shake “germy hands.” A nod and a smile and a “peace be with you” are perfectly acceptable. I don’t understand all the complaints about something that doesn’t even have to be done.
Why not try a solemn Sign of Peace .
I’ve shaken a million hands throughout all my years going to church and I’ve never gotten sick. And I’ll never decline one.this is not primarily about the sign of peace. its another of the endless excuses to attack the OF.Sorry, but I find this all very negative. It’s just a handshake for God’s sake!!!
No I think you’ll find that it is about the sign of peace. Read the thread title and the OP. If that discussion turns into a legitimate criticism of the Pauline Rite regarding this specific rubric then so what? Why get your knickers in a twist about something like that? Good grief.
The OP does’t need to participate in it if it will damage her prayer. What Vatican II meant by “active participation” wasn’t the congregation taking over for the priest but, more time for reflective silence ~ more interior participation. The “Sign of Piece” doesn’t have to be done either — it is avoidable as the discretion of the priest: it is an option. It isn’t unavoidable.
on a thread critical of the OF of the Mass, I observe that people are picking and choosing what part of Mass they want to participate in, much like any good cafeteria catholic or protestant. this time its the sign of peace, next time it will be something else. it doesn’t really matter, the specific issue is merely a pretext to complain about the OF.
Unfortunately, they leave the pew in my Parish, even going across the aisles to get to their friends waaay over there, and call out to each other, almost getting conversations going, at times. I find it terribly distracting. And I am one of those who prefers to avoid the “germy” hands also, as my husband has a very real and life-threatening illness. He simply can’t afford even one more case of cold/flu again. Two weeks in ICU for lung related issues last time was two weeks too many for me. I’m with you, Jenny35, whatever your reason.And I’ve never seen anyone get out of the pew.