Glory be to God on high (Gloria in excelsis Deo)

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO

NARRARE

          Soon after the "Kyrie," there commences another pulchritudinous Catholic prayer my inexperienced mind never captured during mass. I remember my mind slightly drifting off, and trying to understand each word as it was being pronounced. However, I knew as long as I could identify, and educate myself on these words, I could understand the purpose of the following prayer, "Gloria in excelsis Deo." By deciphering this short phrase's etymology along with its importance. I could comprehend why this prayer was being recited, or sung so fervidly. 

        "Gloria in excelsis Deo" is a Latin phrase translated to "Glory to God in the highest." Derived from the ecclesiastical Latin prayer "Gloria," translated to "Glory." This phrase originates from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically on the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:14, it is written:

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

To emphasize the importance of this prayer, it is crucial to insert words from ecclesiastical men, especially from one of our most reverent Holy Fathers. In an online article "The Gloria: Beautiful, and Biblical," posted by the Catholic News Agency, Bishop Arthur Serratelli states:

        "The Gloria recalls the mystery of the Incarnation. In this prayer, we give praise to God by recalling how great He is, and how worthy he is to be worshipped. Despite our sinfulness, God loved us enough to send His Son. Hence, our joy in praying the Gloria."

Also, this source reminds of us of what Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed about this prayer when it is noted, "The Church, in the Gloria, has extended this song of praise, which the angels sang in response to the event of the holy night, into a hymn of joy at God's glory-'we praise you for your glory' " (Homily at Midnight Mass, Christmas, 2010).

Link:https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column/51974/the-gloria-beautiful-and-biblical

Etymology

• In Latin, "gloria" took on various related meanings, including "fame," "honor," "renown," and "praise."

• "In" retained its basic meaning of "in" or "into."

• "Excelsis" is "excelsus," which is derived from the verb "excello" or "excellere," meaning "to rise" or "to be eminent."

• The prefix "ex-" in Latin signifies "out" or "beyond," indicating a sense of elevation or superiority.

• The suffix "-cello" or "-cellere" is related to the verb "cello" or "cellere," meaning "to rise" or "to stand out."

• The Latin word "Deo" is the dative singular form of "Deus," which means "God."

          Altogether, the origins of this prayer, translation, and etymological breakdown humbled me. I am grateful of listening to one of the liturgy's most sacred prayers be recited to praise our God. To begin this prayer with "Gloria, in excelsis Deo," is a blessing, for I am professing my love for Christ. I will remember the words of Pope Benedict XIV, "This song of praise, which the angels sang in response to the event of the holy night..." Now, as I attend Holy Mass, I know I am reciting these words with the angels, and saints of the Catholic Church; with a meek, and humble heart.

 

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE GLORIA IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

Traditional Latin Mass: Gloria

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO