Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

198 Fourth Sunday after Easter
a fourth below it. In iterum modicum, which sets in on the lofty tenor
and emphasizes it, as well as in the ascending melodic line over videbitis
me, we see expressed the joy of reunion. Between the two sentences, as
is only natural, an alleluia, redolent of the spirit of Easter, is interpolated,
and receives further melodic amplification in the twofold alleluia at the
end of the melody.
When we participate in the Eucharistic Banquet, we cannot see
the Saviour; His divinity and His humanity are veiled. But we can contemplate
Him with the eyes of faith. And the purer our heart is, the
deeper does this gaze penetrate. This sight and possession and enjoyment,
it is true, is short-lived (modicum), and here below it will never be perfect;
it will ever be a modicum. But Christ is going to the Father, and we
may therefore sing a joyous alleluia. He goes to prepare a place for us,
that we may see Him face to face throughout a blessed eternity. But,
according to the words of St. Augustine 1 , He is also preparing us for
this dwelling. Occasionally we become painfully aware that this work of
preparation is going on. But it is to last only for a little while (modicum)
after which we shall also be allowed to chant the eternal alleluia.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
The lively expression of joy and thanksgiving for divine assistance
which we find in the Masses for the fourth and fifth Sundays after
Easter are, no doubt, influenced, as H. Grisar remarks (Das Missale im
Lichte roemischer Stadtgeschichte, p. 85), by the general rejoicing which
followed the overthrow of barbarian hordes through divine intervention.
Perhaps there is reference to the raising of the siege of Rome under Wittiges
(A.D. 538).
INTROIT (Ps. 97: 1-2)
1. Cantate Domino canticum no- 1. Sing ye to the Lord a new canvum,
alleluia: 2. quia mirabilia tide, alleluia: 2. for the Lord hath
fecit Dominus, alleluia: 3. ante revealed his justice, alleluia: 3. in
conspectum gentium revelavit jus- the sight of the gentiles, alleluia
titiam suam, alleluia, alleluia. Ps. alleluia. Ps. His right hand hath
Salvavit sibi dextera ejus: * et wrought for him salvation: * and
brachium sanctum ejus. his arm is holy.
A rising line marks the development of the melody. The first part
of the first phrase has a range of a fourth, the second of a fifth; the sec-
1 Tractatus 68 in Joann.