"He [Father Michael Dugan, Director of the Office of Liturgy for the Diocese of Dallas] said congregants should not be offended if someone chooses not to shake hands during the sign of peace.
“If you are ill, the appropriate response to someone extending a sign of peace might be to bow to them and say, ‘Peace be with You,’ to avoid bodily contact or one might wave slightly at the other person.”"
Did shaking hands at the Sign of Peace during Mass ever really make sense? At that moment, the congregation is preparing to receive our Lord in Holy Communion. What does shaking hands signify, that we're closing a business deal?
OK, "Peace be with You" and an embrace for family members perhaps makes sense. But shaking hands with those around us?
Now in particular, during a very serious outbreak of swine flu, can we pick some other way to indicate our fraternal charity to our brothers and sisters in Christ? How about a simple "Peace be with you", and perhaps even a slight bow of the head?
In any case, I think I'll drop the deal-making hand-shaking at the Sign of Peace. For me it never really did make much sense, and now it makes even less sense. I hope You don't take offense.
Peace be with You!
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