In the prayer at the Rite of Peace, we pray not just for peace but also for the unity of the Kingdom. Unity is not uniformity - and we are not praying to become all the same. Rather, we are praying for the gift of living in harmony and unity of purpose - like that of those who live in eternal Kingdom. It was the prayer of Jesus Himself - let them all be one... St Paul took the image even further and stressed
that the unity was like that of a body. He leads on to the image of the Body of Christ -
the Church with Christ as its head. After the prayer of the Rite of Peace, we act on
it by offering each other a sign of peace - a handshake - a hug - a kiss. In this, we are
creating a unity between us that goes deeper than everyone simply agreeing with each
other! The symbol is taken further as our eyes go back to the altar and to the one bread...Although most of us will receive an individual host, the breaking of the one bread reminds us that, though we are many, we are one Body in the one Lord. Though the physical host is broken - the spiritual Body remains intact. As we receive the Body of Christ, so we are received again into that spiritual Body. We have a unity that goes beyond anything we could accomplish on our own strength. This is a divine unity - a grace that is given to Gods faithful people. Drinking from the Wellspring The images of peace and unity in our signs of peace - and the receiving of the Body of Christ are very powerful. Reflect on what they mean for you...
Waiting in Joyful Hope for... |
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...a new age | |||||||
... unity | |||||||