February 2010

THE PEACE THAT PREPARES YOU…

Read: 1 Cor. 11:23-2 

Perhaps one of the least appreciated elements in our celebration of the Service of Holy Communion is found in the Pax Domini. As the celebrant announces the familiar words, “The Peace of the Lord be with you always”, an event of profound significance takes place, affecting the present and eternal condition of all who are within its hearing on Sunday morning. Yet many of our faithful members may not fully comprehend what occurs at the utterance of these words. Not fully aware of what is being given to us, the dutiful response “and also with you” is all too habitually rendered by the congregation. In doing so, it is often assumed that the sharing of the Peace is largely ceremonial, representing nothing more than a statement of fellowship in preparation for the distribution of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who would relegate this moment to the realm of ritual are doing a disservice not only to themselves, but to the very Body and Blood that they are about to receive. 

Since the corporate confession of sins and absolution normally takes place immediately following the invocation, few are fully conscious of what actually takes place at that moment when the Peace is given and shared. With the elements now consecrated, this announcement is made in anticipation of the feast that will follow it. Finding their origin in Holy Scripture, the words we hear are the very words of the Lord himself, who proclaims “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you” (Jn. 14:27a). Jesus continues, “not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn. 14:27b). This is no ordinary peace! This is “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Php. 4:7a). This is the peace which Christ Himself has established between God and man. As the celebrant utters these words, the absolution of sin is extended to those who ready themselves to approach the Lord’s Table. In examining the Peace, Luther confirms that, “if faith holds to these words as coming from the mouth of Christ himself,” they do indeed possess the authority to forgive the sins of the communicant. Hence, the Peace should be clearly understood for its role in preparing the communicant to properly receive the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation that are contained within the elements of Holy Communion 

The Church is a most reliable witness to the ongoing role that the Peace has historically served in preparing communicants to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. From the days of the apostles until now, the sharing of the Peace has preceded the distribution. While the exact placement of these words within the body of the service has often emerged as a source for debate, the preparatory nature of the content therein has never been in question. Throughout the life of the Church, the sharing of the Peace remains a constant to this day.

How should the communicant reflect upon these words in preparation for Holy Communion? The basis for thoughtful meditation is found in the fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, where Christ instructs us that, prior to approaching the Lord’s altar, we need to “first be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Mt. 5:24). We who intend to provide the gift of thanksgiving to God for these great gifts must strive to do so with clean hearts. Acting in accordance with the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, we share this Peace with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. Whether this gesture is performed by an embrace, the shaking of hands or the spoken word, we demonstrate our willingness before God to forgive as we have been so freely forgiven.

As students of God’s Word, it can be readily seen that Holy Scripture provides the foundation for this element of our divine service. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful Lutheran is encouraged to receive the Peace with a grateful heart and reply in a likewise manner. As we proceed from the Service of the Word to the Service of Holy Communion in our weekly gathering, it is good and right that we recognize our continual need for forgiveness. Let us make every effort to ensure that we approach the Lord’s Table in a worthy manner.

“The Peace of the Lord be with you always”

Pastor Bruce