Day 32, Passing of the Peace – Pastor Dave
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27, NRSV.)
What is the best part of your week? Is it the end of work on Friday afternoon or a special meal with family on the weekend? I have one that’s probably not on anyone’s list. I love the “Assurance of Grace” after the “Prayer of Confession.” It’s such a special privilege to announce to the congregation “Our sins are forgiven.” It’s a clean slate to start the new week, and it is followed up with the “Passing of the Peace.”
Our church in Eufaula did not pass the peace before we got there, and I am pretty sure the last time they did it was our final Sunday in Alabama. It wasn’t part of their culture, and, even though I tried, it wasn’t going to be a lasting occurrence. I am so thankful St. Mark does this every Sunday. In a full service, we allow at least a minute for members and guests to exchange signs of peace. This is not something we see in the outside world, and we should never take it for granted in the sanctuary. Since our sins are wiped away, we have peace with God and with one another. This isn’t the fickle niceness the world offers but a deep abiding connection with the Creator and the creation. May we use this time to springboard us into our community.
“Prince of Peace, we praise you for forgiving our sins and for giving us a lasting peace. Help us to share this reconciling love in the sanctuary and beyond. Amen.”
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