Sign Of Peace

In the Catholic mass there is a moment when each person in the pew is supposed to turn to one another and give a blessing.  It is called “A sign of Peace.”  But it really is not a wave or handshake or hug or nod.  It is supposed to be where you bless someone near you and they bless you.  Why don’t people do this or why are they not encouraged to do it?  I wonder if it is their Catholic DNA that thinks a “mere” lay person” cannot give a blessing.   It is clericalism to think that only a priest can give a blessing.  In the Mexican culture, the mother and grandmother give blessings to their children and grandchildren.  People need to trust the power of their own blessings.  Next time you have that ‘Kiss of Peace” time in your worship service, give a blessing to the person near you.  If they look at you like you are weird, tell them you read it in a blog!