Here’s a question that inevitably arises among Catholic friends on Ash Wednesday: What are you giving up for Lent?
There are two schools of thought on this. Some people prefer to do something positive, perhaps by being more conscious of reaching out to the poor. Others prefer the more traditional practice of giving up candy or alcohol or bad habits in preparation for Easter. I am not going to venture into that discussion. If you prefer to do something positive for Lent, go for it! If you relate more to giving up something for Lent, more power to you!
Personally, I like giving up stuff for Lent. The practice has been ingrained in me from childhood, and Lenten sacrifice, done sincerely, has drawn me closer to Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. But let’s take a moment and consider what Catholic liturgy is giving up for Lent: ALLELUIA!
“Alleluia” is derived from a Hebrew word that literally means “Praise Yahweh!” It is a term of great joy associated with the choirs of angels, and our use of Alleluia during Mass is a way of participating in the worship of the angels. The word also serves to remind us that the kingdom of heaven is already established on earth through the Church, and that our participation in Mass is a participation in heaven.
During Lent, our focus is on the Kingdom coming, not on the Kingdom having come. Lent is our opportunity to take a good look at our spiritual journey. What is keeping us from loving God with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our mind? So for six weeks, we do not sing with the choirs of angels. Instead, we acknowledge our sinfulness and humbly ask for divine mercy to deepen our relationship with God so that, come Easter, we may again have the privilege of worshipping God as the angels do.
Lent is the Lord’s gift to us, an invitation to go into the inner room of our hearts and deepen our relationship with God, as Jesus teaches in today’s Gospel. Lent is about reconciliation. Saint Paul says in the Second Reading from Second Letter to the Corinthians:
We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. . . Behold, NOW is a very acceptable time; NOW is the day of salvation.
NOW is a very good time indeed for spiritual direction, for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for spiritual reading and, most importantly, for time alone with God. This Lent let us be reconciled and discover anew this divine Friend who loves us so tenderly and invites us to love him in return.
Ash Wednesday Entrance Antiphon You Are Merciful to All, O Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #63
This text from the Book of Wisdom draws us in as we begin this season of repentance.
Entrance Chant There Is a Longing (Anne Quigley)
Spirit & Song #366; Breaking Bread #404
Anne Quigley’s haunting melody and reflective lyrics make this song a Lenten classic. It is an ideal choice on a day when many parishes combine their choirs for this Eucharist.
Responsorial Psalm Be Merciful, O Lord, for We Have Sinned (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 104
This verbatim setting of Psalm 51 will help us to interiorize the First Reading from the Book of Joel.
Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 106
With text from Psalm 95, the Gospel verse calls us to be attentive as we listen to God’s voice.
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes Have Mercy on Me (Sarah Hart)
Based on the penitential Psalm 51 that is a prescribed text for this rite, Sarah Hart’s simple refrain will allow for accessible singing during the procession for ashes. You will find the sheet music on the link above.
Additional Song for Distribution of Ashes Ashes to Ashes (Dan Schutte)
Breaking Bread #139
Dan Schutte’s new song for Ash Wednesday will be useful for communities who have a large gathering of people on this day.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts O God, You Search Me (Bernadette Farrell)
Spirit & Song #334; Breaking Bread #566
Bernadette Farrell’s lilting melody soothes the souls of those who are seeking to renew their relationship with the Lord during this holy season.
Ash Wednesday Communion Antiphon He Who Ponders the Law of the Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #64
This text calls us to ponder. It is an appropriate invitation to the pilgrimage of Lent.
Communion Chant Lead Us to the Cross (Chris Muglia)
Lent leads us to the Cross, and Chris Muglia’s song invites us to begin that journey.
Sending Forth 40 Days (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #155; Never Too Young #173
Matt Maher’s popular contemporary song for this season points us to the desert of the First Sunday of Lent.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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