Passing the Peace Part 2

July 1, 2026

Passing the Peace Part 2

The passing of the peace is the only moment in liturgy when we physically turn toward one another and directly acknowledge our neighbor. That gesture alone affirms something essential: we are not meant to journey the spiritual life alone. But when we offer Christ’s peace to one another, the moment rises to an even deeper level—an aspiration to live in and wish for a type of peace that is “not of this world.” In the worship service, we have for a split second, the opportunity, the space, the appointed moment blessed by God, to see into the soul of our neighbor. And for them to see into ours. Passing the peace from one soul to another is profoundly sacred. It is not of this world.

If we are fortunate to see into the soul of our neighbor, even for a brief moment… we have tasted the union of souls in peace, — but to extend that moment and actually live together in true peace—even within the church—often feels impossible. Why is that?

Every church is a microcosm of humanity itself. Though churches proclaim peace and often accomplish beautiful works of love and mercy, they are still institutions inhabited and managed by flawed human beings. And humanity, despite its goodness, remains wounded. Even Christ’s own disciples—chosen for their spiritual potential—could be prideful, argumentative, competitive, fearful, and disloyal. Why would the church be any different?

As we know, unhealthy aspects of churches have openly or passively backed such horrors as war, racism, oppression, and even sexual abuse. Even in the healthiest churches, there can be factions, betrayals, rivalries, political struggles, and conflicts over values and direction. Leaders rise and fall. Some are admired, others rejected. There are misunderstandings, ambitions, resentments, and quiet wounds carried for years. The church often reflects both the beauty and brokenness of the human condition.

And yet, despite all this, we are still commanded to keep Christ’s peace. Why? Why strive to emulate Christ if we can do so only imperfectly and only some of the time?

Perhaps because peace, though rarely fully achieved, is undeniably possible. Most of us have known at least one person who seemed to live with an inward stillness that was not easily shaken by the world. Many of us have encountered families where kindness outweighed conflict and forgiveness prevailed over resentment. These lives become more than admirable examples; they become evidence. They remind us that peace is not an illusion. It is attainable.

When we look closely at people who truly have inner peace, certain qualities often appear:

• a genuine spiritual practice

• acceptance and surrender to what is

• living mindfully in the present rather than dwelling in the past or fearing the future

• freedom from the constant need for external validation

• gentleness toward oneself instead of harsh self-condemnation

• release from perfectionism

• healthy boundaries

• and the continual practice of forgiveness toward self and others

The list sounds simple. But in truth, these qualities run against human egoic instincts. The ego is designed to survive in this world; it compares, competes, defends, grasps, and fears. It is often restless because it is never fully satisfied. It has accommodated to this world and is therefore “of it.”

Perhaps this is what Christ meant when He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you—not as the world gives.”

The peace of Christ does not come from the triumph of the ego, but from its surrender. And that surrender is not merely an act of human effort or willpower. It is the work of the Divine within us—amalgamating with the soul and letting the soul lead. So, our mission (should we choose to accept it) is not to try to be peaceful, but to pray for the Divine to place in us— the peace that we cannot give ourselves. 

Spiritual Practice and Inquiry

Why must true peace be a Divine gift? Construct a prayer to God that asks for Divine peace. What do you notice are the main ideas of your prayer? Look at the verbs in your prayer. What about the verbs depict Sacred Action?

Prayer:

Dear God, I pray now for your peace to enter me. I realize I cannot do it by myself. Please “make me an instrument of your peace.”

Amen