Introductory Rites: The Gloria

Now that we have repented and called on God for assistance in our lives through the Kyrie, we now shift from a tone of repentance to a prayer known as the ‘Gloria.’ This prayer is typically sung, but it is no ordinary song. It is the opening line of the words sung by the angels over the fields of Bethlehem, announcing to the shepherds the good news of God’s birth. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” It is fitting to sing these words, for just as God was made manifest to the world in the baby Jesus some 2000 years ago, so he is also made present sacramentally upon our altar at the consecration in every Mass. We prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus by repeating the same words of praise the angels used.

This prayer begins with praise of the Father who is addressed as “Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.” We praise him as our heavenly father who always seeks what is good for us and provides for all our needs. We thank him for what he does for us as well as for his glorious goodness and love.

The next part of the ‘Gloria’ tells the story of Christ. We address Jesus as the “only begotten Son.” We recognize him not merely as a teacher, messenger, or prophet sent from God, but as the divine Son, the eternal word who was made flesh and dwelt among us. The next part, references Jesus as “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” He is the new Passover lamb who is sacrificed in order to save all humanity from the curse of death caused by sin. From there, we praise Jesus as he takes his place at the right hand of God to reign over heaven and earth, and his kingdom will have no end.

In response to the narrative of Christ’s saving mission, the Gloria now praises Jesus with the titles of Holy one, the Lord, and the Most High. And, perhaps the most remarkable line, “You alone are the Lord.” This line in particular challenges us to be loyal to Jesus and his commandments above anything else in this world.

The ‘Gloria’ concludes with mention of the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Jesus is praised “with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.” The hymn ends with homage and praise to the Holy Trinity.

After the ‘Gloria,’ the priest invites us to pray a prayer known as the Collect. This prayer gathers together the intentions of our congregation and concludes the section of Mass known as the Introductory Rites.