Jimmy Kimmel invited the ‘sign of peace’ at the Kobe Bryant memorial. What is it?
Late-night TV personality and fellow Catholic Jimmy Kimmel hosted an emotional “Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna “Gigi” Bryant,” a public memorial held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday.
Here’s a look at the stage, with a rose for every point Kobe scored during his NBA career pic.twitter.com/qj28eKCjKO
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) February 24, 2020
The event, which also recognized the seven other victims killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, featured a center court stage surrounded by red flowers and images of the Bryants on the overhead video board. Guests were met with gifts, including a T-shirt featuring a photo of Kobe and Gigi, a program full of photos, a special commemorative ticket, and a “KB” pin. The proceeds from the tickets go directly to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which supports youth sports in underserved communities.
They only printed 20,000 copies of the program for today’s Kobe & Gigi memorial for those in attendance at Staples Center so here’s a thread of what it looks like for those unable to attend. pic.twitter.com/m7ID4WYplA
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) February 24, 2020
Kimmel concluded his opening speech with an age-old tradition that Catholics share during service.
“In the Catholic Church, you know, which the Bryant family is part of, at Mass we share the sign of peace,” he explained. “This is a moment to hug or shake hands with people around you. It occurred to me that that is something that only seems to happen at church—and at sporting events.
He continued: “When perfect strangers who love the same team are suddenly hugging and high-fiving and celebrating together and so, since we are here today to celebrate, I’d like to invite you right now to take a moment to say hello to the people around you. Whether you know them or not. To be grateful for life, and for the fact that we are all here together.”
Where does the ‘Sign’ come from?
According to Christian online publication Aleteia, this ancient greeting usually occurs before the reception of Holy Communion. The priest or deacon will introduce it with something such as: “Let us give one another a sign of peace.”
In the United States, it’s customary for Catholics to then turn to one another and say “Peace” or “Peace be with you,” and to shake the hand, kiss the cheek, or hug those standing in close proximity. The usual response is “and also with you.”
It’s a liturgical gesture that has been part of the Mass since the very beginning.
The act can be traced back to the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
This symbolism is confirmed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: “There follows the Rite of Peace, by which the Church entreats peace and unity for herself and for the whole human family, and the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament.
“As for the actual sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by the conferences of bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. However, it is appropriate that each person, in a sober manner, offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest (GIRM 82).”
As you can see, the early Church really took this mandate in Matthew to heart.
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