I grew up Roman Catholic. To this day, my favorite part of mass was when everyone has to overcome their shyness, shake hands with their neighbor, and say, “Peace be with you.” The reply, “And also with you.”
In Arabic, this is “As-SalÄmu Alaykum”. The reply, “Alaykum As-SalÄm”.
In Hebrew, “Shalom aleichem”. The reply, “Aleichem shalom”.
And then, of course, there’s the quicky in each language… “Peace”, “Salam” and “Shalom”.
Isn’t it amazing all the descending religions of Moses all greet one another with the word Peace… yet we are unable to attain it?
How true! But, when we greet one another do we even mean it?
The idea behind Shalom is that we mean it. Unfortunately, everyones made it a formality.
PEACE BE WITH YOU is the title of my new novel. I too found that part of mass to be a fascinating exercise. That played a big part in choosing my title. So, I say to all,
PEACE BE WITH YOU.
thank you and also with you…
Good post. You make some great points that most people
do not fully understand.
“To this day, my favorite part of mass was when everyone has to overcome their shyness, shake hands with their neighbor, and say, ‘Peace be with you.'”
I like how you explained that. Very helpful. Thanks.