Peace Be With You

After reciting the Our Father, we turn to each other and offer the Sign of Peace to those around us. (This is actually optional in the mass, but it's done most places.) This may be a brief hug and/or kiss with close family and friends, or a handshake in our culture with those around us. In many times and cultures, it has typically been the kiss of peace.

This is what is said during the sign of peace:

Sign of Peace:

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.
All: Amen.

Priest: The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
All: And also with you.

Deacon or Priest: Let us offer each other a sign of peace.

[The ministers and all the people exchange an embrace, handshake, or other appropriate gesture of peace with those near them, according to local custom.]

It's a lovely thing, really. I know I can get crabby and impatient around people, especially in crowded places. I always try to make an effort to really remind myself to offer a heartfelt "Peace be with you!" to those around me, especially when I've been feeling irritated or grouchy!

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matt 5:23-4)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."
(Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:19, 21)

Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (1 Pet 5:14)