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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Henry L. Doyle

 

“When it was the evening on that day, the first day of the week… Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” (John 20:19)

When he appeared to his disciples, the first words Jesus spoke were “Peace be with you.”

Jesus knew his appearance to them after his resurrection would shock them. He assured them he had come in peace. Moreover, he wanted the disciples to know he was at peace with them. Jesus had forgiven them for having denied and abandoned him at his crucifixion.

In numerous Christian traditions, an exchange of peace takes place during worship.

Episcopalians have the exchange after the confession of sin, which follows the prayers of the people. During Lent, the penitential rite has the confession at the beginning of the liturgy. Therefore, the exchange of peace follows the prayers of the people.

Although the passing of the peace looks disruptive to the flow of the liturgy, it does not happen for us to take a break from liturgical aerobics or to catch up with one another.

Through our saying, “Peace be with you,” we practice reconciliation. We may have spoken some mean, nasty words to the person we approach; we may have done something we regret. We look each other in the eye and gesture our desire and need to put our unkindness behind us and receive the peace of God.

Soon after the exchange of peace, we have the celebration of the holy Communion/Eucharist. Before we stand or kneel at the altar for the Sacrament, we need to have reconciled with God and one another.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15)

Let us pray.

Sustain us, O God, in your compassion. This pandemic — COVID-19 — touches everyone. Let our prayers never cease. Pour into our being the charity to care for one another: to listen, speak comforting words and see to the needs of others. Amen.

The Rev. Henry L. Doyle is the priest-in-charge at Christ Episcopal Church in Albert Lea.