Glory and Praise Forever
On this Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, the Church has chosen this hymn from the Book of Daniel, written by an unknown author. Written in the second century BCE, it presents itself as a composition of a wise Israelite named Daniel in the fifth century BCE. The Book contains stories of trials and triumphs. The verses used are drawn from the hymn sung by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the three young men in the furnace. They exhort all creatures on earth to praise God throughout the universe. This lovely, poetic depiction of the mystery of the Trinity draws us deeper into something we cannot express in words. As we work on comprehension, may we work on our praise of MYSTERY.
Blessed are you, God of our ancestors,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed be your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you in the temple of your glory,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
Blessed are you who look into the depths
from your throne upon the cherubim,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.
[verses from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]