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Peace be with You

Growing up in the Roman Catholic church we had a time during the service or mass for passing of the peace. It was essentially the greeting time of the service.  The people would turn to the folks seated around them and say, "Peace" or "Peace be with you".  If someone said the latter you would say, "and also with you." For the most part it was tradition. I don't recall ever feeling like I was wishing for peace for someone when I said "Peace be with you." Not that I wished ill on them, I just never considered the meaning of those words. I simply said it because it was the thing to say at that part of the mass.  

While reading the other day, I read Paul's introduction to his letter to the church in Galatia. It is like many of the introductions to the letters he wrote. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Galatians 1:3‭-‬5 NIV). Of course, it is what got me thinking about the time of peace in my Roman Catholic upbringing.

I can recall dreading the time of peace in the Roman Catholic service. I was quite a shy boy and the anxiety I felt was very real. I didn't want to shake the hand of a stranger and tell them "Peace be with you." It was uncomfortable.  I was so wrapped up in my own head, I couldn't fathom actually hoping for peace for someone else. 

Yet now I read Paul's words and I am moved by the beauty of them.  The anxiety I felt should have been washed over by the grace and peace of our savior.  He rescued us from that which was not peaceful through his sacrificial offering of himself. Indeed, because of Jesus, we can experience true grace and peace. As lovers of His people, shouldn't we wish for all to experience peace and grace?

The next time a storm hits or brews inside of you, dwell in peace and grace. It is finished. The price is paid. Because of Jesus, there is nothing of this world that can take away the peace and grace he freely gives.  

I pray for the peace and grace of Jesus Christ to wash over each of you.

Peace and grace,

Matt Ennis


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