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Fauken
Guest
Well, I suppose going to Mass is optional. Then again, going to Heaven is optional too.
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Edward_H
Guest
You missed the point…but it’s not that important you get it.
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Edward_H
Guest
I think most readers would have seen and understood when I wrote (which you in fact quoted, but clearly didn’t understand)…“the Eucharist Himself”…that I wasn’t suggesting the Eucharist was an object!!
But some are typing so fast…they miss essential points…they’re vibrating on the surface.
But some are typing so fast…they miss essential points…they’re vibrating on the surface.
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KATRINA_68
Guest
Holy Spirit 1, I apologize, jumped the gun. I just feel bad for Edward, I know many Catholics who are strong in their Faith like him, my Mom was very traditionalist and outspoken. In the end, we all love our Catholic Faith, and in future, I’m not going to make negative comments against anyone.
I am not speaking with any Catholics at the moment .
As I posted , the sign of peace doesn’t bring division in the churches in which I have worshipped , and I’ve never spoken to a Catholic who says that it does .
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goout
Guest
While the peace and unity we seek isn’t in the handshake, it is an expression, one expression of, the unity that is inseparable from Christ himself.
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RandomAlias
Guest
You never cease to amaze.
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godisgood77
Guest
Love the sign of peace… but am sorry that we have to keep talking about it. Between folks advocating for ad orientem and dissing the sign of peace, there is little room for putting our Christian virtues in to action …
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stpurl
Guest
With the caveat that there is legitimate reason for an individual to have difficulty with the sign of peace due to other individuals.
When you have arthritis, Deacon Jeff, and the persons to right and left of you grab your hand, squeeze enthusiastically, pump it up and down, and your body is in agony but you don’t want to 'look like the mean dissenting rigid germaphobic people hating snob that you will then be labelled as for however long you remain at that parish,
and you go home after a Mass whose last 15-20 minutes you have nearly wept from pain, to put ice on your hand, to be unable to do anything for the next several hours beyond waiting for the pain to subside. . .
and you will not be able to enjoy the few hours of leisure you thought you’d have on a Sunday. . .
And you come back on a Monday to be told, once again, how ‘your attitude’ is just ruining life for all Catholics, how your suffering is simply meaningless when put next to the ‘right’ of ‘all the right-minded Catholics’ who are NOT germaphobic, rigid, people-hating, miserable crosspatches who build mountains from molehills and are so unChristlike in their ‘complaints’ about such a lovely and meaningful ritual in Mass. . .
MAYBE you’ll be a bit less inclined to think that all the ‘division’ comes from ONE group. . .
When you have arthritis, Deacon Jeff, and the persons to right and left of you grab your hand, squeeze enthusiastically, pump it up and down, and your body is in agony but you don’t want to 'look like the mean dissenting rigid germaphobic people hating snob that you will then be labelled as for however long you remain at that parish,
and you go home after a Mass whose last 15-20 minutes you have nearly wept from pain, to put ice on your hand, to be unable to do anything for the next several hours beyond waiting for the pain to subside. . .
and you will not be able to enjoy the few hours of leisure you thought you’d have on a Sunday. . .
And you come back on a Monday to be told, once again, how ‘your attitude’ is just ruining life for all Catholics, how your suffering is simply meaningless when put next to the ‘right’ of ‘all the right-minded Catholics’ who are NOT germaphobic, rigid, people-hating, miserable crosspatches who build mountains from molehills and are so unChristlike in their ‘complaints’ about such a lovely and meaningful ritual in Mass. . .
MAYBE you’ll be a bit less inclined to think that all the ‘division’ comes from ONE group. . .
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rondirect
Guest
? I must be missing something here. Where does it state that the Rite of Peace is optional?
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stpurl
Guest
Just about any missal. It really is optional. Personally, I wish the USCCB would make it a bow of the head as the sign of peace. I’d have no difficulty with that (with the option of a ‘big smile’ for those who have neck pain and can’t nod.) Honestly, once a person has developed pain issues, they get sensitized to the fact that there is no ‘one’ posture, gesture, etc. that every person is going to be able to do. But there are some that can be more painful than others. Handshaking can be excruciating to a lot of people!
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rondirect
Guest
Mine does not state this. The missal publisher before this one did not state this. The USCCB Order of Mass does not state this. Point me in the “right” direction.
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ShowersofRoses
Guest
I agree with the posters who enjoy the Sign of Peace. Just because some parishes get too chaotic isn’t a good reason to abolish it everywhere. I’ve never been in a church, ever, that didn’t have a time to greet the people around us. But I am glad Deacon clarified how the Sign of Peace is a sign of extending forgiveness and peace to those around us. It is a prayer in action for those around us, just like the action of crossing ourselves is a prayer.
I have felt this in my own experience. The Prayer of the Mass is gently lifting us up ever higher into the heavenly places, and by the time you get to the Consecration and the Peace, I am full of joy. This is a wonderful time to turn and share that joy with those around us. The old man behind me who smells bad, the child who’s been rocking on the kneeler, the lady who’s been rushing through the responses…this is a chance to forgive all of any petty irritations and ask for forgiveness of all of my faults. I say “Peace be with you” and really mean it, that all will have peace that day and all week. It is a chance to pray for them. I give my kids a kiss and I pray for their peace and salvation.
If we didn’t have the Sign of Peace moment in the Liturgy, would we remember to pray for those around us? Would we remember the smelly old man and the distracting child in our prayers that day? Would we take a moment to pray for our loved ones? Some of us would remember, perhaps, but we shouldn’t be denied the chance of being reminded to pray for those around us in the Liturgy. Most people rush out at the end of Mass and it can be hard to greet strangers then…the chance is gone.
Just as a side note, my own parish does the Sign of Peace reverently and lovingly…everyone is greeted and quiet when the Agnes Dei begins. People are respected if they don’t wish to shake hands. So, I’m not saying that some parishes couldn’t use some reminders on proper etiquette and respect for their fellow parishioners. But those who want to get rid of the Sign of Peace entirely are not really appreciating how holy of a prayer it is intended to be. They would be denying us a great good. Love is only love when it is put in action.
I have felt this in my own experience. The Prayer of the Mass is gently lifting us up ever higher into the heavenly places, and by the time you get to the Consecration and the Peace, I am full of joy. This is a wonderful time to turn and share that joy with those around us. The old man behind me who smells bad, the child who’s been rocking on the kneeler, the lady who’s been rushing through the responses…this is a chance to forgive all of any petty irritations and ask for forgiveness of all of my faults. I say “Peace be with you” and really mean it, that all will have peace that day and all week. It is a chance to pray for them. I give my kids a kiss and I pray for their peace and salvation.
If we didn’t have the Sign of Peace moment in the Liturgy, would we remember to pray for those around us? Would we remember the smelly old man and the distracting child in our prayers that day? Would we take a moment to pray for our loved ones? Some of us would remember, perhaps, but we shouldn’t be denied the chance of being reminded to pray for those around us in the Liturgy. Most people rush out at the end of Mass and it can be hard to greet strangers then…the chance is gone.
Just as a side note, my own parish does the Sign of Peace reverently and lovingly…everyone is greeted and quiet when the Agnes Dei begins. People are respected if they don’t wish to shake hands. So, I’m not saying that some parishes couldn’t use some reminders on proper etiquette and respect for their fellow parishioners. But those who want to get rid of the Sign of Peace entirely are not really appreciating how holy of a prayer it is intended to be. They would be denying us a great good. Love is only love when it is put in action.
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Augustinian
Guest
That would indicate quite a large group, how many does your church hold? I wouldn’t want to be caught in the traffic after mass is over
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rondirect
Guest
Wanted to quote your whole response. Perfectly said and I agree as well.
My church too and it’s on me when to start the Agus Dei, which is in about 20 - 30 seconds or so.
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rondirect
Guest
I get your point, but respectfully, don’t you think your being just a bit over descriptive and dramatic here? If I had arthritis, I would not offer my hand, just nod, whisper “peace” to those around me with my hands folded and if someone insisted on shaking my hand, add a whisper of “peace…arthritis.” People will understand.
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Edward_H
Guest
I don’t need or want you to ‘feel bad’ for me.
That’s just an internet way of trying to dismiss my intellectual point with faux emotionalism (wheh you don’t have an intellectual point to make). Let’s be clear about that.
That’s just an internet way of trying to dismiss my intellectual point with faux emotionalism (wheh you don’t have an intellectual point to make). Let’s be clear about that.
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Edward_H
Guest
No…it’s easy to dismiss this point when you don’t suffer from it.
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CilladeRoma
Guest
No one should be making you do anything you do not want to do.
I have an auto-immune disease that can cause extreme arthritic pain in my hands.
When I have an exacerbation, I get my hands together give a slight bow and say “peace be with you”.
If someone extends their hand, I just say" sorry, I can’t shake your hand today, peace be with you"
There should be no explanation needed. And if people persist, call them out. They are being rude to you, you owe no one an explanation.
I have an auto-immune disease that can cause extreme arthritic pain in my hands.
When I have an exacerbation, I get my hands together give a slight bow and say “peace be with you”.
If someone extends their hand, I just say" sorry, I can’t shake your hand today, peace be with you"
There should be no explanation needed. And if people persist, call them out. They are being rude to you, you owe no one an explanation.
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YourNameHere
Guest
I respectfully disagree. The sign of peace is something special. It is a good thing. If you do not wish to participate, then don’t. But those us who love our brothers and sisters will continue to do so.
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