Think of the presider standing up there, saying any of the prayers to God the Father -- say, the eucharistic prayer. During that prayer, what are the position of his arms? They're uplifted and extended out to the side, right? (At least, most presiders are. Some guys instead put their hands up in front of their chest. I must admit, to me it always looks like they're being held up.) It sort of fits -- you're talking to the Big G, you want that broad, expansive, humbly petitioning sort of gesture.
And that's how it is most of the liturgy. HOWEVER -- at the beginning of the sign of peace, for only the second time in the liturgy, instead of addressing the Big G, the presider speaks to Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles... And since the "target audience" here has changed, the presider's gesture changes, too. Instead of that big, formal, upward gesture, the presider extends his arms directly in front of him. It's the gesture of openness and welcome we would make to one another before greeting, embracing (or accepting a casserole). Which fits, because Jesus always comes with a good hot dish.
Save room for seconds! It's divine!No, it fits because although he's the Son of God, and we come to him in prayer, still, we address Jesus as our brother.
It's a very small detail. But to me it's always amazing to discover how different elements of every moment of the Mass are right there telling the story.
Pop Quiz: I said the sign of peace is the second time the presider addresses Jesus directly. There are three such moments in the liturgy. What are the other two?
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