Catholics are Touchie-Feelie. Joe Biden is Catholic [View all]

[McCamy Taylor]

If you have never been to a Catholic mass, you probably do not know that part of the proceedings involve blatant, deliberate bodily contact with strangers.

http://catholicphilly.com/2019/01/catholic-spirituality/beyond-a-handshake-the-profound-nature-of-the-sign-of-peace/

The sign of peace has its liturgical and spiritual roots in Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness prior to offering gifts on the altar (Mt 5:23-24). That is, if someone had a grievance against his brother, he should first “be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

As Christian worship evolved, the gesture of a “kiss of peace” was a way to unite the community gathered in love and reconciliation. Without being at peace, the community and its members could not fully reflect or live the peace and love of Christ in Eucharist.

The “kiss of peace” took on various forms as liturgy developed. Sometimes it involved clergy and congregation, and sometimes only clergy. Today, we know this part of the Mass, placed just after the Lord’s Prayer and a brief invitation by the priest (“Let us offer each other the sign of peace.”), as the sign of peace.

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/soul-seeing/hugs-are-outward-sign-inward-grace

Jesus hugged children, embraced cripples and kissed lepers. St. Paul asked Christians to “greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26.) A holy kiss is synonymous with a hug today: a warm, friendly, respectful gesture of unity and loving regard. Paul repeats the suggestion to four other communities, as does Peter when he asks his followers to “greet each other with a kiss of Christian love” (1 Peter 5:14). The kiss of peace at Mass comes from this ancient tradition.

Ok, go on and make the pedo jokes. But remember that cultural confusion is a very real thing. American Amanda Knox was thrown into Italian jail for murder because she did not weep hysterically in public when her roommate died. How many folks have had their feelings hurt because someone from a "We never touch!" culture refused an offered hug?