Welcome to Lent. On Ash Wednesday, a familiar question often comes up among Catholic friends: “What are you giving up for Lent?”
There are two common approaches. Some prefer to take on something positive – perhaps being more attentive to the needs of the poor or committing to prayer in a new way. Others embrace the traditional practice of giving something up, such as sweets, alcohol, or unhealthy habits, as a form of spiritual discipline. I won’t try to settle that debate. If you feel called to do something positive, wonderful. If giving something up resonates, more power to you.
Personally, I have always leaned toward giving something up for Lent. That practice has been ingrained in me since childhood, and when done sincerely, Lenten sacrifice has drawn me closer to Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.
But today, let’s consider what the Church gives up for Lent in the liturgy: Alleluia.
“Alleluia” comes from a Hebrew expression meaning “Praise the Lord.” It is a word of great joy, associated with the worship of the angels. When we sing Alleluia at Mass, we participate in that heavenly praise and are reminded that the Kingdom of God is already present among us.
During Lent, however, our focus shifts. We turn our attention to the Kingdom that is still coming and to our need for conversion. For six weeks, we set aside the song of the angels and honestly examine our hearts. What keeps us from loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind? In humility, we acknowledge our sinfulness and ask for mercy, trusting that reconciliation will deepen our relationship with God so that, at Easter, our Alleluia may be renewed with greater joy.
Lent is the Lord’s gift to us: an invitation to enter the inner room of our hearts and be reconciled to God. As Saint Paul urges us: “Be reconciled to God… Now is a very acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”
This Lent, may we accept that invitation and rediscover the divine Friend who loves us so tenderly and calls us to love in return.
Ash Wednesday Entrance Antiphon You Are Merciful to All, O Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #63
The antiphon text is from the Book of Wisdom and serves as an appropriate beginning to our season of repentance: “You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are the Lord our God.”
Entrance Chant Christ in Me Arise (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #287; Breaking Bread #512
The haunting melody and reflective lyrics of “Christ in Me Arise” has led to it becoming a favorite song for Lent.
Responsorial Psalm Be Merciful, O Lord, for We Have Sinned (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: page 92
This pensive verbatim setting of Psalm 51 by Curtis Stephan helps to lead us into the spirit of this essential Lenten text.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation Glory to You, Word of God: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: page 94
As mentioned above, we do not sing “Alleluia” during Lent. “Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ” is one of eight official Lenten Gospel Acclamations in the Lectionary. For more background, click here
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes Have Mercy on Me (Sarah Hart)
This is a setting of the rite’s Antiphon 3, utilizing the official text: “Blot out my transgressions, O Lord.” You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Additional Song for Distribution of Ashes I Ashes to Ashes (Dan Schutte)
Breaking Bread #139
“Ashes to Ashes” is a versatile song, with verses particular to Ash Wednesday and verses that can be sung throughout the season of Lent.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Prayer of St. Augustine (Ken Canedo)
A song of conversion with text based on Confessions by Saint Augustine. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Ash Wednesday Communion Antiphon He Who Ponders the Law of the Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #64
This setting of the antiphon has a very striking chord sequence. Sing it prayerfully several times either at the beginning of the procession, or as a post-Communion meditation.
Communion Chant Lead Us to the Cross (Chris Muglia)
Our Lenten pilgrimage is a journey to the Cross. You will find the sheet music for Chris Muglia’s thoughtful song in the link above.
Sending Forth 40 Days (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #155; Never Too Young #173
Since its publication in 2003, Matt Maher’s “40 Days” has become a Lenten tradition for many contemporary choirs.
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.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.