Just before the Gospel, the whole assembly rises and sings a single Hebrew word: "Alleluia." Why this word, at this moment — and what does it have to do with the song of the angels in the book of Revelation?
What Is the Gospel Acclamation? The Alleluia Before the Gospel
This first session on the Gospel reading covers the Alleluia and Gospel Acclamation, the incensing, the deacon's blessing, and the procession to the ambo. Dr. Pitre explains why the congregation sings the Hebrew "Alleluia" — "Praise the Lord" — and connects it to the great multitude crying "Hallelujah!" in Revelation 19, and to Jesus proclaiming the "good news" (Greek euangelizō) in the synagogue at Nazareth. He then traces the tradition: Justin Martyr on the Sunday reading of the "memoirs of the apostles," Jerome on lighting candles for the Gospel, Pope Anastasius on standing, Augustine and Gregory the Great on when the Alleluia is sung, and Ordo Romanus I on the papal blessing of the deacon. Isidore of Seville supplies the mystagogy joining the Alleluia to the song of the angels. Why is this Hebrew word left untranslated, and why is it omitted in Lent?
Key passages & sources examined: Roman Missal, Order of Mass nos. 13–14; Revelation 19:6–7; Luke 4:16–22; Justin Martyr, 1 Apology 67 (cf. Dialogue 103.8); Jerome, Against Vigilantius 7; Liber Pontificalis (Anastasius); Augustine, Expositions of the Psalms 106.1; Gregory the Great, Letters 9.26; Ordo Romanus I nos. 58–59, 62; Isidore of Seville, On the Ecclesiastical Offices 13.1–2
What is the Gospel Acclamation at Mass? It is the sung acclamation — "Alleluia" outside Lent — by which the standing assembly greets Christ about to speak in the Gospel. The video explains its meaning and its place in the liturgy.
What does "Alleluia" mean, and why sing it in Hebrew? Dr. Pitre gives the Hebrew sense ("Praise the Lord") and, following Isidore, why the word is preserved untranslated — the full reason is in the session.
What do the priest and deacon say quietly before the Gospel? The video walks through the deacon's blessing ("May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips") and the priest's "Cleanse my heart" prayer, and why they matter.
Want every Sunday and feast explained like this?
Get Dr. Brant Pitre’s complete Mass Readings Explained — a new study for every Sunday and holy day.
This is a subscription where the content is accessed online through your account. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
All of content I have watched so far is excellent. Perfectly paced, at a level for everyone and contributes greatly in my journey to be a better Catholic.
The information presented by Dr.Pitre was informative, but too long for our group. We prefer a more concise 10-15 minute lesson as to truly keep our attention and give time for plenty discussion.
This is a subscription where the content is accessed online through your account. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
All of content I have watched so far is excellent. Perfectly paced, at a level for everyone and contributes greatly in my journey to be a better Catholic.
The information presented by Dr.Pitre was informative, but too long for our group. We prefer a more concise 10-15 minute lesson as to truly keep our attention and give time for plenty discussion.
