JSTM


 

 

  

 

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR

This article I had written some time back; this is good to meditate in this season of Easter

Alleluia: It is a transliteration of the Hebrew word hallelūyāh, which is composed of two elements: Hallal: an exhortation to praise and Yah: Yahweh the name of God. Hence it means ‘Praise the Lord/God’.

So when we say ‘alleluia’ we praise God without using the word ‘God.’ It is used in Judaism as part of the Hallel prayers and since the earliest times, in various ways, in the liturgies of the Catholic Church. In the Bible, ‘Alleluia’ is found 24 times in Psalms and four times in Revelation 19 and in other places. It is good to know in which context it is used. For instance, in the book of revelation the scene is that a great multitude has gathered before the throne in the immediate presence of God, after the final overthrow of the enemies of the church and the triumph of the gospel. In such circumstances, all in heaven render praise and a song of thanksgiving are uttered in which all holy beings were united. Hence the word alleluia expresses the glorious outpouring of praise by the holy beings to God’s righteous victory over his enemies, his sovereignty, and his eternal communion with his people. The sound of the outpouring of praise and worship is so overwhelming that the Apostle John can only describe it as the roar of rushing waters and loud peals of thunder.

Alleluia is the only word which is grand enough to express praising God in the whole of bible. Hence it is encouraged to say or sing ‘Alleluia’ quite often in the Easter season, since Jesus rose from the dead victoriously. Let us also say or sing loudly, Alleluia, Alleluia. In any language of the world it is transliterated.

 

 

In the Service of the Lord,
   Father Thainese Alphonse

 

 

   
     
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