Continued Meditation on the Three Sanctifications (Part 2)
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the Thrice-Holy Hymn, clarifying the meanings of the words “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal” in the birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains that this hymn proclaims Christ’s holiness, divinity, power, and everlasting life. In His birth from the Virgin, His uniqueness and holiness were revealed, and in His crucifixion, He offered Himself as a sacrifice for humanity’s salvation and the redemption of its sins. In His resurrection, He demonstrated His authority over death, rose through the power of His divinity, became the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, and opened the way to eternal life. He also emphasizes that Christ’s ascension into heaven reveals His glory and divine authority.
(Spiritual Message)
The teaching explains that the words “Have mercy on us” move the hymn from glorifying God to asking for His mercy and salvation. Christ became incarnate, was crucified, and rose for humanity’s salvation; therefore, we ask for His mercy, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life with Him. It also teaches us to glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, because glory belongs to God alone, who is glorified in His being, attributes, and works. It emphasizes that God does not need our glorification, but our glorifying Him helps us recognize His greatness and live humbly, away from pride and vain glory.
(Educational Lesson)
Pope Shenouda explains that the Church sometimes prays to the Father alone, sometimes to the Son or the Holy Spirit, and sometimes to the entire Holy Trinity, while maintaining faith in the Holy Trinity. The Father created us and cares for us, the Son saved us through His crucifixion, and the Holy Spirit works in the Church and sanctifies believers through the holy sacraments. He also explains that asking for mercy involves acknowledging our constant need for God, regardless of how far we have progressed in the life of virtue. The request for forgiveness includes sins, iniquities, and transgressions, whether intentional or unintentional, known or forgotten.
(Practical Application)
This teaching invites us to repeat our prayers for mercy and forgiveness with a humble and sincere heart, while confessing our sins before God. It encourages us to dedicate prayers to the sick, asking for their healing for the sake of God’s holy name, and also to pray for those who have departed in the faith, asking God to grant rest to their souls. It emphasizes that spiritual care is not limited to the salvation of the soul but also includes caring for the body, helping the sick, and visiting them. We should also remember death and resurrection together, because Christ’s resurrection shattered the power of death and opened for us the hope of eternal life. In this way, the hymn becomes part of our daily lives as we glorify God, rely on His mercy, and live in humility and love for others.
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