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Liturgy of the Word: Gospel Acclamation
ALLELUIA.
‘Alleluia’, from the Hebrew means ‘Praise Yahweh’, or
‘Praise God’. In the Old Testament this joyful cry appears at the beginning or
end of Psalms 146-150, intended for use in the temple liturgy. In
the New Testament, the alleluia’s only occurrence appears in the Book of
Revelation (19:1-9), where it forms part of the victory hymn sung by the
redeemed in Heaven. It is the second time-after the Gloria that the earthly
liturgy borrows its song from the angels, who will return again in the singing
of the Sanctus (Holy Holy). So, in our liturgy, we are surrounded by the
angelic multitudes each time Mass is offered. What does this mean to You at
Mass?
The Gospel
Acclamation’s simple order Rite is nevertheless most significant. The deacon
takes the Book of the Gospels (Gospel book), the Word of Christ from the altar,
which represents Christ, and he carries it to the lectern, the place of the
Word of God. In most parishes, there is no deacon, so the priest moves to the
lectern, where the lectionary is already placed. The altar servers move,
collect their candles symbolically reminding us of Christ as the
light. To hold a candle correctly, the left hand goes under the
base; the right hand is around the knob (or about 60 cm above the right
hand). This places the right hand about opposite the
breast. When candle-bearers go in pairs, the outside hand goes above
and the inside hand at the base. Candles should be held at a right angle to the
floor. It is important to keep them straight.
We, as the
congregation, praise Christ who comes to proclaim the good news of
salvation. The Gospel Acclamation is normally expressive of Pascal
joy, a reflection upon the Word of God already proclaimed, and a preparation
for the Gospel accompanies the Gospel procession. At St.
Augustine’s, the ‘Gospel book’ is carried through the church reflecting the
Gospel Acclamation Rite.
The Gospel
Acclamation’s structure is as follows: The choir or cantor intones the
alleluia, which is then repeated by congregation. Then the verse, taken from
the Gospel, is sung followed by a repeat of the alleluia. We greet
Christ with Alleluia to remind us that we celebrate on Sunday the Lord’s
Resurrection.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION DURING LENT AND ADVENT
However, although
the Gospel Acclamation’s structure remains unaltered, there are no alleluias
sung or said during Lent or Advent. Instead, one of the following phrases are
used to replace the word ‘alleluia’
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless
Glory.
Glory and
praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
Glory to you,
Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.
POSTURE FOR GOSPEL ACCLAMATION.
The change of body
posture is important, and as a congregation that we are now standing. Just
as we stand in respect when introduced to an important person, we also
stand when meeting Christ in the Gospel as a sign of reverence.
WHEN A DEACON IS PRESENT
When a deacon (a man
usually 6-12 months from ordination of priesthood, or a permanent deacon) reads
the Gospel, he asks the Bishop or Priest for a blessing who says:
‘the Lord be in
your heart and on your lips
that you may worthily proclaim his Gospel’,
The Bishop or Priest blesses him with the sign of the Cross. The deacon answers Amen.
Perhaps, this could
be our prayer too- that we too will worthily proclaim the gospel worthily in
our
lives.
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