About the Mass series: Holy Holy Part 2: Its biblical perspective.

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES

About the Mass series icon.

SANCTUS PART 2: Its biblical perspective. 

The Sanctus as it was called is presented as a cento of biblical texts. The first 2 acclamations are borrowed from the account of the vision, which was to inaugurate the ministry of Isaiah around the year 740BC. The prophet was in the Temple. The Heavens opened before him and God appeared to him in glory. The Seraphim, beings of fire and light, serve as acolytes at the divine throne.  Isaiah was carried away by ecstasy, as he heard their song:

 

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty!

The earth is full of his glory (Is 6:3)

 

The Liturgy associates us with the myriad of Angels and Archangels, of Thrones and Dominations, of Principalities and Powers.

 

In Isaiah the text reads ‘the earth is full of his glory’, but the liturgy’s perspective is enlarged in the words ‘Heaven and earth are full of your glory’ It is both on earth and in heaven that the angels and humanity along with all of creation, unite in a common exultation for the eternal celebration of the Father.

 

‘Hosanna’ comes from the Hebrew ‘Hosiahna’ and literally means ‘Give salvation’ the word comes from Ps 118:25: ‘Give salvation, Lord, give!’ It was used as an acclamation of praise.  On the feast of Tents, people made a procession with palms while singing ‘Hosanna’. The seventh day was called ‘The Great Hosanna’. 

 

In the highest is a Hebrew expression meaning ‘Hosanna to God who lives in the highest of heavens.  

‘Blessed is he who comes’ is likewise borrowed from Psalm 118:26. It was a blessing that was given over a pilgrim who was entering the Temple. In the New Testament, ‘the One who comes,’ ‘ho erchomenos’ is a messianic title of Christ.

 

Have you ever noticed the angels’ adoring’ at the Tabernacle in many churches? Perhaps the explanation given above may enlighten you. Perhaps we could join with them and set aside some time for our own individual praise and worship with Jesus, and allow Heaven and earth to be full of glory. After all, the singing of Isaiah’s Seraphim made the hinges of the threshold of the Temple vibrate!