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.

For me, the passing of the peace in church has always been both wondrous and, at times, awkward. To shake another person’s hand and say, “The peace of the Lord be with you.” is a beautiful gift. Yet I often wonder: to what extent do I truly offer Christ’s peace to my neighbor? Is this just a perfunctory liturgical exercise, an in-church social interaction, or a soul-to-soul encounter?