This is the final Wednesday and all school Mass before we observe Ash Wednesday and enter into the season of Lent. Once we head into the Lenten season we will notice a few changes which take place in our liturgy. The priest will wear violet vestments as a reminder of our need to do penance, we will cease to use the Gloria (Glory to God), our music will become somber in nature, we will not have flowers that adorn the sanctuary, and our use of the word “alleluia” will cease.
This word “alleluia” is tied to Easter and the joy that comes with the Good News of our Lord’s Resurrection. This word comes to us from the Hebrew and means “praise the Lord.” This is seen as the joyful term that is used as the choirs of angels worship around the throne of God in Heaven. By putting the “Alleluia” to rest we place our focus upon the Kingdom of God which coming as we place our emphasis upon that reality. If we are to draw close to this most important of realities we must “put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.”
Following this Mass we will participate in an old tradition which gave rise in the 13th century by burying the “alleluia.” Here we will process outside and literally bury it in the ground. Hopefully this practice reminds us at our need to mourn at the filth of sin and to prepare to rejoice with the Lord’s Resurrection. As stated by Bishop William Duranti in the 13th century on this practice: “We part from the Alleluia as from a beloved friend, whom we embrace many times and kiss on the mouth, head and hand, before we leave him.”
