Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy. (Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.)

KYRIE ELEISON, CHRISTE ELEISON

NARRARE

          As a new attendee of the Tridentine Mass, I always felt a profound sense of admiration, and appreciation for a constituent known as, "Kyrie." Which translates to "Lord." More importantly, because during the Tridentine High Mass; the Gregorian Choir magnifies this prayer with a reverent, and diligent performance. While simultaneously demonstrating a complete parallel with the priest on the altar as he is fulfilling his function. 

          I felt this immense respect for the "Kyrie," even without understanding, or being educated on why this part of the mass resonated with me so much. I recall kneeling on the kneelers with my hands in prayer during the Mass, and being showered with a sensational wave I cannot describe. However, my focus would be aggrandized as the Choir sung: 

"Kyrie eleison

Kyrie elesion...

Christe eleison

Christe eleison...

Kyrie eleison

    Kyrie elesion."  

       It was not until I learned the English translation of this Catholic Greek prayer; which gracefully compelled me to understand the emotional response those words triggered in my mind, body, and soul. Below is the etymological outline of this liturgical prayer. 

Etymology

• "Kyrie" (Κύριε) is the vocative form of the Greek word for "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios).

• "Eleison" (ἐλέησον) comes from the Greek verb "ἐλεέω" (eleeo), meaning "to have mercy" or "to show compassion."

• "Kyrie Eleison" translates to "Lord, have mercy."

• "Christe" (Χριστέ) is the vocative form of the Greek word for "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos).

• "Eleison" (ἐλέησον) has the same meaning as mentioned above.

• "Christe Eleison" translates to "Christ, have mercy."

I recognize now why this liturgical prayer had a very deep impact on my soul. As a sinner, my spirit pleas for Christ's divine mercy, and compassion. Moreso, because of the venial, or grave sin my flesh wants to, or has committed in the past. As I listen to these words, I grow closer in wanting God's mercy, and compassion so I may live a holy life, and die a holy death. So I sing along now in mass with the Gregorian Choir in a low voice "Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison," and do my absolute best to avoid any occasion of sin. So I may not take for granted God's mercy, and compassion.

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SUNG KYRIE ELEISON, CHRISTE ELEISON IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS: KYRIE ELEISON, CHRISTE ELEISON

KYRIE ELEISON, CHRISTE ELEISON