Farewell to the Alleluia

Alleluia is a special liturgical word that means, “Praise God.” But its significance is more mystical than the words “Praise God” can convey. Alleluia signifies that ineffable joy present in those heavenly habitations where saints and angels behold God face to face in God’s perfect love. As we lift our hearts to God in prayer and praise, we use this word as an expression of our highest praise. Alleluia is a foretaste and a pledge of what awaits us in the life to come- a bit of heaven come down to earth. 

Since the fifth century, the Church has suspended the use of this mystical word of praise during Lent, as a reminder of the separation from God that sin brings. We walk the Lenten journey of repentance so that the Holy Spirit may bring healing and wholeness to our wounded hearts. We do not say alleluia, because for a time we mourn our sins and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. But that does not mean that we do not offer any sacrifice of praise. Even as we contemplate our sins and seek God’s healing, we replace our alleluias with praise to Christ who reconciles us to God and forgives our sins. During the Mass of the lenten season we sing, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory,”- a glory which comforts and supports us during the Lenten season.

On the last Sunday after the Epiphany, we say farewell to the Alleluia. During medieval times their elaborate ceremonies evolved in which the alleluia was actually buried and “resurrected” on Easter. While we won’t be burying the alleluia, we will end the Mass on Sunday with many sung alleluias, as we turn away from the beauty of our Lord in his Transfigured Glory, and turn towards the healing lenten desert which will take us to the Cross and finally back to Easter Joy.