If there is one word that every Christian in the world knows, no matter what rite or denomination they may belong to, is undoubtedly \u2018Alleluia\u2019. The origin of this Hebrew word is a combination of a verb and a noun. The verb is hillel which means praise\u2014a verb which is used many times in the Hebrew Bible. This verb can also mean boasting. The noun jah is a concise form of God\u2019s name. Therefore, the word Alleluia means \u201cPraise God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last five Psalms in the Book of Psalms are in praise of God in which \u2018Alleluia\u2019 is frequently used. Psalm 148 begins with, \u201cAlleluia. Praise the LORD from the heavens; offer praise to him in the heights!\u201d (v. 1), it concludes with the words, \u201cHe has raised high a horn for his people,
to the glory of all his saints, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Alleluia\u201d (v. 14). The call to praise God is not addressed to God, but to all creation which is invited to praise God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Roman Rite, the word Alleluia is associated with joy. Before the reading of the Gospel, the congregation sings Alleluia, in order that \u201cthe assembly of the faithful welcomes and greets the Lord who is about to speak to it in the Gospel\u201d (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, par.62)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"