Glad-handing at Mass #5, some tips on how to be a good mass-attender and a non-conformist at the same time. Why deal with each other when Christ Himself awaits you?
A series of reasons . . ..
What to do at kiss of peace time?
First, look for a face with eyes. Then look at the face with your eye set on friendly with mild smile. Calmly. You are not staring anyone down. Hardly. You are in a relaxed friendly manner telling that person you are on his or her side, we’re in this together, we will make it after all . . .
Having made your point in as full of love etc. as prescribed by the holy prescribers and with luck got an understanding look back, look down. You have done your duty and gained from it and now can return to your meditation on the Lord of All, who in a few minutes will be in you sacramentally as He has been anyhow every day of your life, you know, you just know from the moment of conception.
Is that clear?
Advice from My Catholic Source: One might “simply bow one’s head” at “"kiss” time and “reflect on the Holy Eucharist” or kneel. In any case, “it may not be possible to avoid the 'pew hoppers' who . . . feel 'duty-bound' to touch others, even against the other’s will.”
Indeed. I ran into that years ago at other parishes -- nothing like it in my present locations, where devotion reigns and it’s easy to improvise, as I describe above.
One final thought. We did have a priest at our quite devotional parish who skipped the kiss/sign of peace. No announcement, just skipped it, as was his option. Several times, at weekday masses. We were ready for the usual, didn't happen.
He was reassigned by religious-order superiors soon after, to another state -- to meet a special need, we assume. Not the first of a traditional bent likewise to be reassigned, by the way.
Said superiors doubtless are, have to be, attentive to the chief decider in such matters at the two-county local-church headquarters from which he runs a tight ship, especially in matters of deviation from current ritual norms and preferences.
Finally, I mean it this time, some relevant commentary from Why Do Some Oppose the 'Sign of Peace' at Mass?
It turns one's attention away from Christ, who is truly present on the altar.
It is not appropriate to socialize during a solemn sacrifice -- the very re-presentation of Calvary.
It forces people to turn their back on Christ in the Holy Eucharist in favor of their neighbor.
It tends to harm belief in the Real Presence. When 'the sign of peace' occurs, the Eucharist is ignored . . . . People are instead exchanging handshakes [or did before covid] or hugs [no more of that either, it’s waves to all and sundry] . . . It does not honor God to turn our back on Christ and toward our neighbor.
Well, thing is if the Holy Sacrifice has become a Holy Meal, of course you talk to other diners. Will have to examine that further . . .
To sum up — this portion, much more is available:
Socializing with our neighbor is inappropriate in a place of worship. It turns our thoughts away from God and onto ourselves and our neighbor . . . occurs at the very moment when Christ is present at the altar — our attention is drawn away from Him and on to our neighbors during one of the most solemn and sacred parts of the Mass.
But-but-but we love our neighbor, don’t we? And what better time to show it than at Mass ?????
Later, alligator . . .