Peace be with you, I’m Steve

by Letters Editor · September 6, 2012

From Steve Madue, Pretoria

I have been very hesitant to write an article or respond to any topical issue published in The Southern Cross. Some of us simply need a kick start. Cecil Roberts has done that for me with his letter Peace be with who? (August 22).

“I will strive to just slightly prolong my greeting by introducing myself to the person that I am offering the sign of peace to.”

I share his sentiments in totality and I think many are in the same school of thought.

In our parish, we celebrate the Holy Mass with brothers and sisters from all over the world. We see almost the same faces every Sunday and yet we do not know the names of our fellow Catholic parishioners.

When we share the sign of peace, we proudly pronounce the words, Peace be with you. Although in certain instances, with a few people that we know, an occasional Peace be with you, Bernard or Francis is heard, we hardly know the names of other members of our Church.

That is the reason why when we meet each other downtown, we simply say Hi! and offer a smile instead of greeting people by their names.

How genuine that smile was is another topic.

I have deeply reflected on Mr Roberts letter and tried to count the people whom I know by name. I could only come up with a handful of them.

It is said that the sweetest music to any persons ears is the sound of his or her name. My response to Cecils question is: Peace be with Cecil, I am Steve. Thus, the greeting is even accorded more meaning.

I will strive to just slightly prolong my greeting by introducing myself to the person that I am offering the sign of peace to.

Peace be with you Cecil, my name is Steve. This sounds melodious!