The Gloria
Immediately after the Penitential Rite in the Mass, we switch
The Gloria begins with a scene from the Christmas story in Luke
chapter 2. “And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly
host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Not
only are we singing along with the angels, we’re once again quoting
From there the Gloria closely mirrors the Kyrie, when we ask Jesus
to “have mercy on us…receive our prayer…have mercy on us.”
And we finish with yet another affirmation of the Blessed Trinity.
“You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
You’ll notice that the Gloria is left out of the Sunday Masses of
Advent and Lent, as these are more penitential seasons.
The Gloria is sometimes called the “Great Doxology.” The word
“doxology” is taken from the Greek, meaning “a word of praise.” It
is called the “Great Doxology” for its use in the Mass, and because
we got it right from the mouths of angels!
For further study:
Luke 2:13-14
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gears and join the angels in song! This is when we sing the
Gloria.
Scripture in the Mass!
Notes