Alleluia!

After the introductory rites, the next part of the mass is the Liturgy of the Word. This is when scripture is read. There is a reading from the Old Testament, then a psalm is sung, then a related reading from the New Testament, and then most importantly a reading from one of the four Gospels. We stand in honor of Christ's own words in the Gospel, and before it is read we sing Alleluia (except during Lent.)

Here's a lovely Alleluia from Vivaldi.



(I was tempted to put Mozart's well known Alleluia, but since I already posted one Mozart I thought I'd restrain myself!)

The gates of Jerusalem shall sing hymns of gladness, and all her houses shall cry out, "Alleluia! "Blessed be God who has raised you up! may he be blessed for all ages!" For in you they shall praise his holy name forever. (Tobit 13:18)

Alleluia! Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever. (Ps 106:1)

After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: "Alleluia! 1 Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her harlotry. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants."

They said a second time: "Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever."

The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen. Alleluia."

A voice coming from the throne said: "Praise our God, all you his servants, (and) you who revere him, small and great."

Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: "Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, (our) God, the almighty. (Rev 19:1-6)