Alleluia
Alleluia comes from the Hebrew halelu-jah (“praise the Lord”), and is an
expression of joy and praise. In the Hebrew Bible the word occurs only in
conjunction with the psalms: either before the psalm, after the psalm or
both. At an early date the Alleluia was introduced into the Roman liturgy,
and by the time of Pope Gregory the Great (560-604) its use was extended
throughout the entire year, except during Lent. The Alleluia, always sung
by the whole assembly, remains a sign of joy, especially the joy of
resurrection and new life. We rejoice in the victory of the Lamb of God
over sin and death. Alleluia! |
