SANCTUS.
(Taken from Notes Made at the Conferences of Dom Prosper Guéranger).
The Trisagion is the hymn heard by Isaias when favoured with a vision of Heaven, and later by St. John also, as he relates in his Apocalypse (iv. 8). The Church could not well have placed this Song of Heaven at the beginning of the Mass, whilst we were just confessing ourselves sinners before God and the whole celestial court. What, then, is it the Angels say? Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. They celebrate the Sanctity of God. And how do they celebrate It? In a manner the most complete; they use the superlative, saying thrice over that God is truly holy. We meet with the Song Trisagion in the Te Deum also: Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Wherefore is it that God is thus expressed by the triple affirmation of Holiness? Because Holiness is the chief Perfection of God: God is Holy by Essence. In the Old Testament even, this Angelic Cry was already made known: the Prophet Isaias heard it; in the New Testament, John, the Beloved Disciple, names it in his Apocalypse. So then, God is indeed Holy, He delights in revealing this to us. But, to Holiness is added yet more still: Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth, Holy is the Lord, the God of Armies; this is like saying: Deus Sanctus et fortis, God, the Holy and the Strong. So here we have Two Things in God, Sanctity and Strength. This expression Deus Sabaoth or Deus exercituum, the God of Armies, is used, because nothing gives such an idea of Strength, as an army surmounting all obstacles, laughing at difficulties, and over-riding all that comes in its way: thus is the Strength of God vividly expressed. So then, God is Holy and Strong. This Angelic Song has received the name of the Trisagion, which is derived from Agios, Holy, and from tris, Three: God, the thrice holy. In the Old Testament a notion of the Holy Trinity was hereby conveyed, as though it stood thus: Holy is God the Father, Holy is God the Son, Holy is God the Holy Ghost. But in order to catch a glimpse of this truth, it was needful to be learned in the understanding of the Scriptures; hence, hardly any but the Doctors of the Law could come at this knowledge; or, again, in Prayer, God would sometimes vouchsafe to reveal this Truth to privileged souls, in whom He deigned to enkindle his Light. Among the Jews, such favoured souls were always to be found. After confessing the holiness and Strength of God, the Church adds: Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. There is no way, more magnificent than this, of expressing the Glory of God; verily there is no nook or corner of Creation where shines not forth the Glory of God; everything is produced by His Power, and everything gives Him Glory. Holy Church transported on beholding this, cries out aloud: Hosanna in excelsis. We read in the Sacred Scriptures that this cry was uttered by the Jews, when Jesus was entering into Jerusalem, on Palm Sunday, and the people shouted Hosanna filio David; yes, Hosanna, which means Salvation, a salutation of deep respect. Holy Church blends both of these together, making one of the Sanctus and of this solemn salutation: Hosanna in excelsis, Hosanna in the highest. She could never have let slip such exquisite lore. Just as at the commencement of Mass, she would have us unite with the Angels in chanting the Kyrie a very cry of distress, so now she bids us mingle our voices once again with their Angelic Choirs, but in a manner totally different to the former occasion; lo! now she has entered into the mysteries, she is on the point of coming into complete possession thereof; therefore is she seized with enthusiasm, and her one thought now is to sing to her God: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Hosanna in excelsis. Verily, the Jews did well to shout their Hosanna, as they went, in glad procession down the Mount of Olives, towards Jerusalem, entering by the Golden Gate; all was in harmony, and breathed triumph; but how far more fitting is it for us to sing it, at this portentous moment, when the Son of God is about to come down in the midst of us who truly know Him! Well did the Jews shout: Hosanna. Hold, still they knew Him not; yet a few days and they would cry against Him: Tolle, tolle, crucifige eum. [Take, take and crucify him.]
This Trisagion is to be found in every Church, of whatever Liturgy, and whatever Rite it may be.
| MASS INTENTIONS
FOR THE WEEK |
- Sunday, Sept 24 - 16th Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 a.m. Julie A Weilbaker 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo
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- Monday, Sept 25 - Feria 7:30 a.m. Helen Coomes†
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- Tuesday, Sept 26 - Ss. Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brebeuf & Companions, Martyrs 7:00 a.m. Peggy Vowles
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- Wednesday, Sept 27 - Ss. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs 6:00 p.m. Katie Baumle† (Anniv.)
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- Thursday, Sept 28 - St. Wenceslaus, Duke, Martyr 7:30 a.m. Jack Gilbert
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- Friday, Sept 29 - The Dedication of St. Michael Archangel 6:00 p.m. Paisley L Freeman
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- Saturday, Sept 30 - St. Jerome, Priest, Doctor 9:00 a.m. James Spence†
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- Sunday, Oct 1 - 17th Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 a.m. John & Phyllis† Kuhn Family Living & Deceased 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo
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| Parish Picnic - Today
Our parish picnic is today at Foster Park, Pavilion #2, after the 10 AM Mass. All also encouraged to bring any outdoor games that they enjoy. The park is located not far from church, 3900 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne. |
| Special Collection
The Bishop has asked that a special collection be taken up on Sept 24th for Hurricane Irma. Please use the envelope marked Special Collections Envelope at the entrances if you would like to be acknowledged for your contribution. At the top of the envelope mark what the collection is for along with your name. Thank You! |
| Scrip
Scrip is a very easy way to help the parish financially without increasing your Sunday contribution. Please take a look at the order forms to see if there are vendors that you frequent. If so, just fill in the amount you would like to purchase. You will receive a gift card back that can be used any time and never expires. Please submit the form with a check by dropping it in the collection basket. For any questions call the office at 260-744-2519. All orders must be prepaid and will be placed on Monday of each week. Due to processing costs, in order to make a few dollars we have to have a combined total of all orders come to $400 or more. Your small order can help to reach this threshold. |
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