Michael Brooks
Peace be with you is a phrase used by Catholics as a liturgical greeting. It is said by bishops at the beginning of Mass. The phrase is also used in the Liturgy at the kiss of peace, where Pax tecum, Pax vobis, or Pax vobiscum are used. The phrase originates from John 20:21, where Jesus used the phrase to give peace to his apostles and to send them out to spread his peace to others. The phrase is also used in the Bible in Ruth 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 15:2.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Used as a liturgical greeting at the beginning of Mass | "Peace be with you" |
| Who says it | Bishops, priests, Jesus, Catholics |
| Response | "And with your spirit" or "And also with you" |
| Other forms | Pax tecum, Pax vobis, Pax vobiscum, Ite in pace |
| Gesture | Hug, kiss, handshake, simple bow, wave, smile |
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What You'll Learn
'Peace be with you' is a prayer for peace and assurance
"Peace be with you" is a prayer for peace and assurance, often said by Catholic bishops and priests to their congregations. The phrase originates from the Bible, where Jesus used these words to address his disciples after his resurrection, as recorded in John 20:21. By saying "Peace be with you," Jesus offered his disciples solace and reassurance, calming their troubled hearts and minds.
In the Catholic tradition, this phrase holds a similar significance. When a priest or bishop extends this greeting to the congregation, it is more than just a simple hello or salutation. It is a prayerful wish for peace and a reminder of God's presence in their lives. The response to this greeting is typically "And with your spirit," acknowledging and returning the prayer for peace.
The phrase "Peace be with you" is also used by Catholics as a declaration of hope and a means of extending forgiveness and reconciliation. It can be said to another person as an expression of one's desire for peace in their life and a recognition of God's presence in their journey.
In addition to being a greeting, "Peace be with you" is also a prayer that can be offered for priests and spiritual leaders. Catholics are encouraged to pray for their priests by name, asking God to strengthen their faith and keep them safe. This prayerful support is essential, recognizing the role of priests as Christ's representatives and their deep understanding of the scriptures.
Overall, "Peace be with you" is a powerful phrase in the Catholic faith, serving as a prayer, a greeting, and a reminder of God's peace and presence in our lives. It reflects the desire for tranquility and harmony among individuals and within the community, aligning with Jesus' message of love, forgiveness, and unity.
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It is a liturgical greeting said by bishops
"Peace be with you" is a liturgical greeting said by bishops at the beginning of Mass. It is also said by priests, who greet the congregation with the words "The Lord be with you", after which the people reply, "And with your spirit".
The phrase "Peace be with you" is believed to be a prayer for peace and a declaration of hope that the other person knows the presence of God in their life. It is also a way to beckon someone to have a conversation, especially about difficult topics.
The phrase is derived from the Vulgate, which appears in Ruth 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 15:2. In Ruth, the phrase is used in the sentence, "Et ecce ipse veniebat de Bethlehem dixitque messoribus: 'Dominus vobiscum'. Qui responderunt ei: 'Benedicat tibi Dominus'" (" [Boaz himself] came from Bethlehem and said to the harvesters, 'The Lord be with you!' and they replied, 'The Lord bless you!'").
The usage of this phrase was initially reserved for the Pope, but it was transferred to bishops in the Middle Ages as more areas of the West adopted the "pontifical" Mass.
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It is a declaration of hope in the presence of God
In Catholicism, the phrase "peace be with you" is a liturgical greeting often said by a bishop at the beginning of Mass. The phrase originates from the Bible, where it appears in Ruth 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 15:2 in the Vulgate. It is also used in the Liturgy at the kiss of peace, with variations such as "Pax tecum", "Pax vobis", or "Pax vobiscum".
The phrase "peace be with you" is more than just a greeting; it is a prayer and a declaration of hope. When Jesus first appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he said, "Peace be with you" (John 20:21). His disciples were troubled and filled with questions, and Jesus wanted to bring them peace and assurance of his presence. Similarly, when we say "peace be with you" to others, it is a way of extending the same hope and assurance of God's presence in their lives. It is a recognition that we are all on a journey of faith, and we may have doubts and worries. By saying "peace be with you," we are offering comfort, forgiveness, and reconciliation, acknowledging that we are all part of the Christian community.
The response to "peace be with you" is typically "and with your spirit," which is a translation from the traditional Latin response, "et cum spiritu tuo." This response emphasizes the mutual exchange of peace and blessings.
The act of exchanging peace is a significant part of the Catholic Mass. It is a time to offer forgiveness, humility, and community to one another. It is a gesture that signifies the 'ecclesial bond' that unites us as believers and children of the same Father. The Diocese of Peoria explains that this rite of peace acknowledges forgiveness, humility, and community. It is a reminder of our Lord's teaching in Matthew 5, where we are instructed to be reconciled with one another before approaching the altar to receive the Prince of Peace.
By saying "peace be with you," Catholics are not just offering a simple greeting; they are declaring their hope and faith in the presence of God and extending a blessing of peace to one another. It is a powerful reminder of Jesus' words to his disciples and a way to bring comfort and unity to the community of believers.
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It is a gesture of forgiveness, humility and community
The phrase "Peace be with you" is a liturgical greeting used by Catholic bishops at the beginning of Mass. It is also used by priests at the end of the Mass when the people are dismissed. The phrase originates from the Bible, where it is spoken by Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection, and by Boaz to the harvesters in Ruth 2:4.
When saying "Peace be with you," Catholics are invoking a prayer and a declaration of hope that the other person knows the presence of God in their life. It is a way to wish peace upon others and to express a desire for reconciliation, fellowship, and friendship.
The act of exchanging the sign of peace during Mass is a gesture of forgiveness, humility, and community. It is a recognition of the mutual regard Christians have for one another and a symbol of their union with Christ. This rite of peace acknowledges that we must first be reconciled with one another before approaching the altar to receive the Prince of Peace. It is a reminder that we are called to be peacemakers ourselves by forgiving others and seeking pardon for our sins.
The gesture of peace also signifies the 'ecclesial bond' that, with Christ, we are a community of believers and children of the same Father. It is a way to extend peace and unity to our fellow Christians and to strengthen the bonds of our communal Spirit. The exchange of peace can take various forms, including a hug, kiss, handshake, simple bow, wave, or even a smile.
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It is a sign of recognition, respect, and friendship
The phrase "Peace be with you" is a liturgical greeting used by Catholic bishops during Mass. It is a salutation that is believed to have been used by Jesus himself when he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were troubled and questioned his presence, to which Jesus replied, "Peace be with you", asking them to be at peace and trust in him.
The phrase is also used by priests during Mass, who say, "The peace of the Lord be with you always", followed by the people's response, "And with your spirit". This exchange is known as the "Sign of Peace" and is a gesture of recognition, respect, and friendship within the Catholic community. It is a way for Catholics to offer forgiveness, humility, and community to one another, as well as a declaration of their hope that others may know the presence of God in their lives.
The "Sign of Peace" can be expressed in various ways, such as a handshake, hug, kiss, simple bow, wave, or even a smile. It is a reminder of the communal Spirit within the Church and signifies the 'ecclesial bond' that unites Christians with Christ and with each other as a community of believers.
The use of "Peace be with you" as a liturgical greeting is rooted in scripture, specifically Ruth 2:4 and 2 Chronicles 15:2 in the Vulgate. Additionally, in John 20:21, Jesus uses similar words to give peace to his apostles and send them out to spread his peace to others. Over time, the usage of this phrase was transferred from the Pope to bishops during the Middle Ages.
The "Sign of Peace" is a significant part of Catholic liturgy, symbolizing reconciliation, unity, and the presence of God's peace within the community. It is a reminder of Jesus' words and a call to live in peace and harmony with one another.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics say "Peace be you" as a liturgical greeting at the beginning of Mass. It is also said by Jesus in the Gospel, and by the priest during the exchanging of the sign of peace.
Only a bishop is allowed to say "Peace be with you" at the beginning of Mass. Prelates who are priests (abbots) may also say the phrase.
The response to "Peace be with you" is "'And with your spirit'. This response replaced the previously used response, "And also with you".
