E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

40 THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
As we have already observed, the inscription
on the Cross, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,
was written in three languages Hebrew, Greek, and
Latin so in the Mass, which is a re-presentation,
a re-enactment of the Sacrifice on Calvary, the Church
still uses these three languages. The revelation of God
has been given to the world in the three languages
found upon the Cross.
THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
After the Kyrie comes the Gloria in excelsis. This
hymn is sometimes called the greater Doxology to
distinguish it from the lesser, the Gloria Patri. The
author of the Church s greatest hymn of praise is
unknown. The first verse, Glory be to God on high
and on earth peace to men of good-will, was sung
by the Angel and the heavenly host on Christmas
night, as recorded by St. Luke. (ii. 14.) The Gloria was
introduced into the Mass in the Roman Church first
of all on Christmas Day, when it was sung in the first
Mass in Greek, in the second in Latin. Up to the end
of the eleventh century the Gloria was said by Bishops
at Mass on Sundays and festivals, by priests only on
Easter Sunday. At the close of the twelfth century
this privilege gradually extended to priests. Since the
revision of the Missal by Pius V., in 1570, the rule
is to say the Gloria at Mass whenever the Te Deum is
said at Matins that is, when the Mass conforms to the
Office.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; et Glory be to God on high,
in terra pax hominibus bonae and on earth peace to men
voluntatis. Laudamus Te of ; good-will. We praise
benedicimus Te ;
adorajare^I^hee ; we bless Thee we
;
Te ; glorificamus Te, G^SU^Sfc-^acpJ^e Thee we ; glorify Thee.