Several hundred years ago in England . . . . . the custom of the handshake began. It conveyed being unarmed. Indira Gandhi once said, “you can’t shake hands with a closed fist”.

 Some ethnic or cultural differences are known. In Japan, you bow. The Chinese “pump”. Middle Eastern? Dead fish. Orthodox Jews and Kuwaitis? For men only. In Western societies, to not shake someone’s hand is rude and insulting. We could also be like the French or follow Scripture where is says, “greet one another with a holy kiss”. We are a congregation that shares the peace in worship, just before the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Its intention is not ‘hey, where are you going for brunch”? Or “how about those Yankees?” It is being reconciled in Christ and to one another with contrite, penitent heart if we have wronged or harmed our neighbor, our Christian brother or sister. During Covid – and even since – respect should be given to anyone who does not wish or feel comfortable with even a handshake.

When we receive the Eucharist, we are encouraged to place our hands, one on top of the other, thereby making a “cradle” for Christ. Hand sanitizers, even gloves, will never subvert our Lord’s radical hospitality. God does his work through our hands, sometimes with a firm handshake accompanied with a light touch on the forearm. Whatever gesture conveys the peace, love, grace, and unconditional love of God done with humility and authenticity is pleasing and acceptable in God’s sight.

So “put ‘er there”, my siblings in Christ! 

Pastor Art