The “Battle Cry” of God’s People

After a few weeks’ hiatus, we return with the next installment of our series on praying the Mass! This time, we will focus on a small but powerful part of the Liturgy of the Word: the Alleluia.

Most people - Catholics and non-Catholics alike - are very familiar with the word “alleluia.” It is used in all sorts of contexts, sacred and secular, as an outburst of joy and celebration. However, fewer people, including Catholics, know the actual meaning of the word.

Alleluia (or, as it would be in the original language, “Hallelujah”) is a Hebrew term formed from two other words: hallel (praise) and Yah (a shorthand for YHWH, the Divine Name, usually translated into English as “LORD”). So Hallelujah literally means Praise the LORD!

When the Israelite armies would march against their enemies in the Old Testament, this word was their battle cry. They thus showed that the LORD was the One to Whom they looked for victory and salvation - the LORD Whose Presence often accompanied them into battle by means of the Ark of the Covenant. This method may sound counterintuitive, but as the historical books of the Bible make clear, it is a recipe for success!

As members of the Church Militant, we are called to wage a spiritual battle for our own souls and those of others. For the people of God engaged in this age-old struggle, our most powerful “weapon” is not force of arms, but the praise of God Almighty. By rendering all glory to Him, we show our trust that He will fight our battles for us … and nothing touches the Heart of God like this “reckless” trust! Do we have this same attitude when we sing the Alleluia during Mass?

Moreover, “Alleluia” is not simply the song of the earthly people of God. A quick survey of the Book of Revelation will show that the Church Triumphant makes Heaven itself resound with this cry of praise and trust. What an awesome thought - at this moment in the Liturgy, we are united with all the angelic choirs, with our brothers and sisters the Saints, and indeed with all creation, in praising our infinitely Good and Glorious God!