The Gradual and Alleluias

The Gradual used to be a psalm and Alleluias which were a feature of the synagogue service in Our Lord’s day and were taken over by the Christian Church.  The psalm was sung by a chanter or chanters, and the Alleluia was the signal for the congregation to join in a refrain.  It was called the Gradual because the chanters sang it from the lectern or pulpit step.  The Latin word for step is gradus.  Alleluia (Hallelujah) is the Hebrew for “Praise the Lord”.

The psalm chant with Alleluias (Gradual) which came down from the synagogues of Jesus’ time was reserved in a place of honour, just before the Gospel. (1)  However, today many churches have a hymn which is sung by the whole congregation after the second reading.  It is called the Gradual hymn and may be followed by a Gospel acclamation which includes the singing of some words suitable for the season and Alleluias.  For example, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.  You have the words of eternal life.” (1 Samuel 3:9; John 6:68). (2)  Alleluias are sung before the words and repeated after the Gospel reading.  Alleluias are not sung during the solemn season of Lent.

The Gospel reading

The Gospel is a passage from one of the four Gospels or Lives of Our Lord, written by St Matthew, St Mark, St Luke and St John.  It is read by a priest or a deacon.  The reading or singing of the Gospel at the Eucharist has always been treated with special honour because it tells us of the words and actions of Jesus himself.  It is for this reason that we stand up in Our Lord’s honour when it is read, and at a Sung Eucharist lighted candles are often held near the book as a sign, not only of honour, but also of joy.  Another mark of honour in some churches is the incensing of the book before the Gospel is sung.

When priests or deacons announce the Gospel they make the sign of the Cross with their thumb, first on their forehead, then on their mouth and lastly on their chest, and you do the same when you answer, “Glory be to thee O Lord” (modern language: “Glory to you, O Lord”).  This is to show that we believe the Gospel with our mind, that we should make it known with our mouth and must love it with our heart.