The Kiss of Peace
The Kiss of Peace has apostolic origins (Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12; I Peter 5:14) and features in every liturgy as a sign of the “fellowship of the Spirit”, which the Eucharist outwardly represents. Key aspects include:
- It was always limited to the faithful, with neophytes excluded from participating.
- It signifies the love and harmony required among Christ's disciples as a condition for participation in the Eucharist.
This ritual highlights the liturgy as an active expression of Christian living, where interior charity and righteous conduct find expression and confirmation at each Eucharistic celebration.