Uestion about the Handshake of Peace

[Tenebrae]

What do you do in a case like this–when it’s obvious that the person next to you at Mass has a really bad cold, and he 's been coughing and sneezing into his hands and blowing his nose the entire time, and then, when you are told to “offer each other a sign of peace” he extends his germ covered hand to you? Do you keep your hands folded and just smile and nod in his direction? Look straight ahead or turn around to shake hands with the people behind you, pretending not to see him? Or do you shake his hand?

 

[Brendan]

What do you do in a case like this–when it’s obvious that the person next to you at Mass has a really bad cold, and he 's been coughing and sneezing into his hands and blowing his nose the entire time, and then, when you are told to “offer each other a sign of peace” he extends his germ covered hand to you? Do you keep your hands folded and just smile and nod in his direction? Look straight ahead or turn around to shake hands with the people behind you, pretending not to see him? Or do you shake his hand?

No you are under no obligation to shake his\her hand.

What is asked of us is that we share a sign of the Peace of Christ that the priest just gave to us ( we don’t share the peace itself, laity cannot do so in the way the priest does), but we can share a SIGN of that peace.

And it could be an dignified sign, such as a nod of the head.

 

[jrabs]

No way would I shake someone’s hand that is clearly sick. However, I will absolutly smile and nod and offer peace. That is really all that is required.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

What do you do in a case like this–when it’s obvious that the person next to you at Mass has a really bad cold, and he 's been coughing and sneezing into his hands and blowing his nose the entire time, and then, when you are told to “offer each other a sign of peace” he extends his germ covered hand to you? Do you keep your hands folded and just smile and nod in his direction? Look straight ahead or turn around to shake hands with the people behind you, pretending not to see him? Or do you shake his hand?

Maybe he is not sick but just has allergies. Anyway just accept his sign of peace and receive on the tongue and wash your hands right after Mass.