Rachel Evans
Peace be with you is a greeting that has been a part of the Catholic mass since the 6th century. It is a prayer for peace and a declaration of hope that the other person knows God's presence in their life. The phrase is also used to beckon people to talk about tough topics, express forgiveness, and extend blessings. In the gospel, Jesus said Peace be with you to his disciples after his resurrection, conveying a gift of inner peace that only God can give. This greeting has been passed down through the centuries and is now a traditional part of Catholic liturgy, exchanged between priests and the congregation during mass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is it said | During mass, since the 6th century |
| Who says it | Jesus, priests |
| Who is it said to | Disciples, the congregation |
| What is the response | "And with your spirit", "And also with you", "The Lord be with you", "God bless you", "Peace be with you", "The Peace of Christ be with you" |
| What does it mean | A prayer, a greeting, a gift from God, a sign of reconciliation, forgiveness, humility, community, union with Christ |
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What You'll Learn
- The phrase is a prayer for peace and a declaration of hope
- It is a call to action, to face tough topics and forgive
- Jesus' words to his disciples, to quell their doubts and fears
- The priest extends peace to the congregation with these words
- It is a sign of recognition, fellowship, respect and friendship
The phrase is a prayer for peace and a declaration of hope
The phrase "Peace be with you" is a prayer for peace and a declaration of hope. It is a phrase that has been used by Catholics during mass since the 6th century. The phrase is said by the priest to the congregation as a prayer for peace and as an assurance of God's presence in their lives.
The phrase originates from Jesus himself, who said "Peace be with you" to his disciples after his resurrection. Even though Jesus had wounds in his hands and feet from the nails on the cross, he was at peace. Through his greeting, Jesus offered his disciples the gift of inner peace that comes from God. This inner peace is a gift of love from God that heals us in ways that the world cannot.
When Catholics say "Peace be with you" during mass, they are not only wishing peace upon one another but also recognizing the presence of Christ. It is a reminder that we are called to be peacemakers ourselves by forgiving others and asking for pardon for our sins. The exchange of peace is also a sign of reconciliation, fellowship, respect, and friendship within the Christian community.
The traditional response to "Peace be with you" was "and also with you," but this has been changed to "and with your spirit" to more accurately translate the official Latin text, "et cum spiritu tuo." This response is a recognition that the priest is not merely a man but that he stands in the place of Christ (in persona Christi) and embodies the presence and Spirit of Christ.
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It is a call to action, to face tough topics and forgive
"Peace be with you" is a phrase that Jesus used to reassure his disciples that they would find peace, even in the face of their troubles and worries. It is a prayer and expression of hope, a reminder that Jesus is with us and that we need not be afraid or anxious.
Saying "Peace be with you" is a call to action for Catholics. It is an invitation to face difficult topics and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. When we say "Peace be with you", we are expressing our willingness to engage in tough conversations and to acknowledge our own shortcomings. We are also extending an offer of forgiveness and the hope of a fresh start.
In the Catholic faith, forgiveness is a central tenet. Jesus calls on his followers to forgive those who are sorry for their offenses, just as God forgives those who repent. This is reflected in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, stating that our heavenly Father will forgive us if we forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15).
However, forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing the actions of others. As humans, we are not expected to forget, but to forgive even in the face of heinous crimes or personal wrongs. We are called to love everyone without exception, even those who have wronged us and are not sorry. This unconditional love is a reflection of God's love for all, regardless of their actions or beliefs.
When we say "Peace be with you", we are embodying this call to action. We are expressing our willingness to confront difficult issues, to forgive those who seek repentance, and to extend God's unconditional love to others. It is a powerful phrase that encourages us to move forward with hope and peace, even in the face of challenges and conflicts.
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Jesus' words to his disciples, to quell their doubts and fears
"Peace be with you" are the words of Jesus, which have been used by Catholics during mass since the 6th century. They are a prayer for peace and a reminder of God's presence.
Jesus' words to his disciples to quell their doubts and fears were often focused on teaching them to trust in God and to have faith in his power. For instance, when Peter lost faith in Jesus' power and began to sink, Jesus rebuked him with "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31). This was an act of merciful disappointment, teaching Peter and the other disciples about the danger of transferring trust from the power of God to the power of the world.
Jesus also addressed the doubts of Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, who refused to believe in the resurrection until he had seen Jesus with his own eyes. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, he invited him to touch his wounds and said, "Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:24-29).
Jesus wanted his disciples to trust him and to help others trust him too. He taught them four key principles about fear, worry, and anxiety, emphasizing that our emotions reflect what is in our hearts, values, and thoughts. He wanted them to understand that their faith was more important than any physical discomfort caused by fear and worry.
Jesus also demonstrated his power to intervene in their troubles. After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus and his disciples went on a ministry trip, where Jesus taught them and modeled the way of life he had described. This was to show that he had the authority to intervene and change people's lives, unlike other religious leaders of his time.
Jesus wanted his disciples to know that he was with them and that they didn't need to be afraid or question his presence. He wanted them to find peace in their lives and to trust in his power, even when they couldn't see him physically.
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The priest extends peace to the congregation with these words
The Catholic Mass is a sacred ritual that has been practised since the 6th century. An integral part of this liturgy is the "sign of peace", where the priest extends peace to the congregation with the words, "The peace of the Lord be with you always". This exchange is not a mere greeting but a profound recognition of the presence of Christ and the desire for peace and unity within the community.
The priest's words are a reflection of Jesus' first words to his disciples after his resurrection. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you". Jesus, embodying God's love, offered an inner peace that transcends worldly suffering. When the priest says, "Peace be with you", it is a reminder of this divine gift of peace that surpasses all understanding.
The response to the priest's greeting is significant as well. The congregation replies with "And with your spirit" or "Et cum spiritu tuo" in Latin. This response acknowledges that the priest is not just a man but represents Christ and embodies the Spirit of Christ. It is a recognition of the "in persona Christi", the belief that the priest acts in the place of Christ during the Mass.
The exchange of peace is a time for forgiveness, humility, and community. It is a moment when individuals turn to their neighbours, offering a sign of peace through a handshake, a hug, a kiss, or a simple smile. This rite of peace symbolises the "ecclesial bond" that unites believers as a community of Christ and children of the same Heavenly Father. It is a powerful reminder that we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the Prince of Peace whom we receive at the altar.
The "sign of peace" in the Catholic Mass is more than just a ritual; it is a profound spiritual exchange that connects the congregation to Christ's peace and unites them as a community of believers. Through this exchange, Catholics are reminded of God's presence and their calling to extend peace and love to one another.
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It is a sign of recognition, fellowship, respect and friendship
The Catholic tradition of saying "Peace be with you" is deeply rooted in the Bible. The phrase was first spoken by Jesus, who offered these words to his disciples as a prayer for peace and assurance of his presence. This greeting, as mentioned in the Gospel, holds a profound meaning. It is not a casual salutation but a divine gift bestowed by God.
When Catholics say "Peace be with you," they are recognising and honouring the presence of Christ. It is a way to acknowledge that the person they are addressing is not just a fellow human being but a vessel through which the Spirit of Christ shines. This understanding is further emphasised by the fact that the liturgical exchange is forbidden between laymen. By saying "Peace be with you," Catholics are expressing their faith in the other person's connection to Christ and, by extension, their shared union with Him.
The act of exchanging peace is also a sign of fellowship and respect among Christians. It signifies the "ecclesial bond" that unites believers as a community of Christ's followers and children of the same Heavenly Father. This tradition, which has been a part of the mass since the 6th century, is a time-honoured way for Catholics to offer forgiveness, humility, and reconciliation to one another. It is a moment to set aside differences and extend a gesture of peace and friendship, reflecting the communal Spirit that resides within the Church.
Furthermore, saying "Peace be with you" is an invitation to deeper conversation and reflection. It is more than a simple greeting; it is an expression of hope and a desire for meaningful connection. When Catholics offer peace to one another, they are opening a door to discuss tough topics, admit their faults, and seek forgiveness. It is a powerful tool for fostering unity, understanding, and compassion within the Catholic community.
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Frequently asked questions
"Peace be with you" is said during Mass by the priest.
"Peace be with you" is a prayer and a declaration of hope that the other person knows the presence of God. It is also a gift from God that brings inner peace and love, which heals us in ways the world cannot.
The response to "Peace be with you" is "And with your spirit", which is a recognition that the priest is not merely a man but that he is in persona Christi, and the presence and Spirit of Christ is within him.
"Peace be with you" was first said by Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection.
Other ways to express "Peace be with you" include "The peace of Christ be with you", "God bless you", or simply "Peace".
