Exhortation, February 27

In our service, passing the peace has a threefold significance. From one perspective, it is a response to the sermon. The sermon announces the reconciliation of all things in Christ Jesus, and passing the peace symbolizes the reconciliation we have with one another now that the dividing wall has been broken down through the cross. From another angle, the passing of the peace highlights a dimension of our offerings. During the passing of the peace, we bring our offerings to the Lord, and that is a sign and pledge that we are to use our goods and wealth for the common good of the church, the community of the reconciled.

From a third perspective, the passage of the peace is preparation for the Supper, and it shows that we come to the Supper as a unified people. Passing the peace ritually expresses what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount: �If you are presenting your offering at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.�EPaul condemned the Corinthians because they celebrated the Supper in factions. Passing the peace is a reminder that we should approach the Lord�s table, the New Covenant Peace offering, at peace with one another.

It�s clear, then, that the passing of the peace is not a break from worship but an act of worship. It is not a time for chit-chat, for catching up, for extended conversations, for bear-hugs that end up as wrestling matches. Greet one another with affection and enthusiasm, but make sure that the passing of the peace is indeed an act of worship.

Of course, passing the peace does not ensure that we really are reconciled to each other. Passing the peace expresses the reconciliation, peace, and unity that we aim for, but that reconciliation, peace and unity must be preserved and pursued throughout the week, not only here on Sunday morning. It is certainly possible to bless your brother with the mouth but hate your brother in your heart. If that is what we are doing, then our ritual is abominable to God. As we give ritual expression to Jesus�Ecommandment to be reconciled, make sure that this is never merely a ritual expression. Do all in your power to be genuinely reconciled with the brothers that you greet and bless.

posted by Peter J. Leithart on Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 07:42 AM

Permission is given to use material on this site, provided the source is cited, blog entries are republished in full, and the author is notified in advance.