“We must learn to live
together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Martin Luther King Jr

One of the things I
truly miss about going to church is the passing of the peace. Although each
interaction is short, the impact of shaking a hand, sharing a hug, and wishing
each other peace is huge for me. It makes me feel connected to my brothers and
sisters, it makes me feel united in my mission, and it makes me want to spread
this peace with everyone I encounter. It is always a humbling experience and something
that is missing as I endure this long-lasting pandemic.

In ancient days, the
passing of the peace had deep meaning, and the ritual was used to reconcile
with your neighbors. It was a time for forgiveness, and even Jesus told his
people they needed to let their grievances against one another go before
leaving their offering at the altar. It became a time to pray for those they
had hurt, to pray for those that had hurt them, and to confess their sins and
receive God’s forgiveness. It was only then, that the people of God were ready
for Communion, and could be reconciled with one another as a symbol of their
new life in Christ.

 At the Last Supper,
Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27), and
later in the text he said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved
you.” (John 15:12). There are many examples in the Bible where Jesus extends
his “peace” and even when he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection,
he greeted them by saying, “peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19.26). It
is in these messages that we find a deeper meaning when we pass the peace with
one another. Just as Jesus shared his peace with us, we too should share peace
with one another.

As we head into the
new week, we may face many challenges. We may feel angry as protests occur in
our cities. We may experience fear in the unrest of our world. We may endure
racism and hatred as people divide and take sides. And we may feel alone as the
pandemic and violence keep us apart. It may become a difficult week to find
peace, but God will be calling us to do our part.

Send a text to someone
and wish them peace. Forgive someone who has wronged you. Apologize to someone
you have hurt. Let go of the grudges that weigh you down. And evangelize when
the opportunities arise. When we do these things, reconcile with one another,
and extend God’s peace, we come to the altar with clean hands and an open
heart. And when we have come together, united in God’s love, there is nothing
in this world we cannot overcome.

What will you do to “pass the peace” this week?