Fr. Daniel's Corner / November 29, 2020

Mass Moment: The Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, a shout of praise, is closely associated with the Lord’s Resurrection. Singing the alleluia, the gathered assembly welcomes and greets the Lord who is about to speak to them in the Gospel. Speaking of this, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM #62) notes that the Gospel Acclamation is a rite unto itself. It is a celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ into our midst by his word proclaimed by the Deacon or Priest. Furthermore, the acclamation is a creedal statement- a statement of faith in Jesus.

The Alleluia is sung in every time of year other than Lent. It might interest you to know that Alleluia is a Hebrew word הללויה which literally means “Praise Yahweh” or “Praise the Lord.” It was preserved, untranslated, by the Early Christians as a superlative expression of thanksgiving, joy, and triumph. It is found often in the psalms and plays a pivotal part in the Jewish celebration of the Passover. The reason for the celebration of the Passover from which Jesus established the Eucharist is intrinsically linked to salvation. This is in itself a gift that comes from God; therefore to “praise the Lord” is right.

Of this, Scripture says:

After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: “Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,…The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen. Alleluia.” A voice coming from the throne said: “Praise our God, all you his servants, [and] you who revere him, small and great.” Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: “Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, [our] God, the almighty. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready. (Rev 19:1, 4-7).

It is customary to stand once the Alleluia verse is sung, and on some occasions, there is the flame and sweet smell of smoking incense from the Thurible, a procession with lighted candles, and the Book of the Gospels carried by a deacon from its place of honor on the altar or in a designated and befitting area. This shows that the Gospel is truly a light to our feet and a lamp on our path (Ps 119:105). We stand because just as Christ is present in the sacred species of bread and wine, he is also present in His word. Within the singing of the first Alleluia, a verse of scripture is sung or read. It helps us to focus on the theme of the day based on the reading of the day. After this, the Alleluia verse is repeated, and the Church is ready to receive the Gospel.

Therefore, the Book of the Gospels should occupy a place of honor within the liturgy and even in our homes. It is for the same reason that we venerate the holy book, and the appropriate minister to proclaim the Gospel will incense it and kiss it. When a bishop celebrates, however, the Book of the Gospels is sometimes brought to him after being read, as indicated in (GIRM #175) "When the deacon is assisting the Bishop, he carries the book to him to be kissed, or else kisses it himself, saying quietly, 'Per evangelica dicta' (Through the words of the Gospel). In more solemn celebrations, as the occasion suggests, a Bishop may impart a blessing to the people with the Book of the Gospels." All these are mysteries. Through them the transcendent Lord speaks directly to his Church.