The Gloria, also known as the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, is a hymn of praise to God, specifically in the context of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is commonly recited or sung during the Roman Catholic Mass and other Christian liturgical services. The Gloria has a rich tradition and has been a part of Christian worship for centuries.
The Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Magnificat, is a hymn of praise that is taken from the Gospel of Luke. It is often recited or sung during the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours and other Marian devotions. The Magnificat reflects the joyful response of Mary to the news of her impending motherhood of Jesus.
In certain liturgical celebrations, such as the Feast of the Annunciation, the Gloria is omitted at the end of the Magnificat. This omission is not done arbitrarily but holds deeper significance in the overall understanding of the feast itself.
The Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It is a celebration of the Incarnation, the moment when God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. The focus of this feast is the mystery of God becoming man through the consent of Mary.
By omitting the Gloria at the end of the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Feast of the Annunciation, the Church emphasizes the humility and obedience of Mary in accepting God’s will. Mary’s response to the angel’s message was filled with both joy and fear, yet she willingly submitted to God’s plan for her life.
This omission reminds us that Mary’s role in the Incarnation was not about her own glory or exaltation, but rather about her humble submission to God’s plan. It serves as a powerful reminder for all believers to humbly accept God’s will in our own lives, just as Mary did.
Furthermore, the omission of the Gloria also highlights the profound mystery of the Incarnation itself. The Incarnation is the ultimate act of divine love and humility, wherein God humbles Himself to take on human flesh in order to save mankind from sin. This divine act of love is unparalleled and deserving of our utmost reverence and awe.
In conclusion, the omission of the Gloria at the end of the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary in certain liturgical celebrations, such as the Feast of the Annunciation, serves as a powerful reminder of Mary’s humility and obedience to God’s will. It also emphasizes the profound mystery of the Incarnation and calls us to reflect on our own need for humility and obedience in our relationship with God. May the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary inspire us to humbly accept God’s will in our lives and to give glory to Him who became man for our salvation.