Why don’t we say “Alleluia” during Lent?

It may have gone unnoticed at Mass today, but this was the last Sunday we’ll be singing or saying the word “Alleluia” until Easter Vigil.   Alleluia is the song sung by the angels in heaven, but before Christ’s saving work was accomplished on the cross, it was not possible for us to join them there.  “Burying” the Alleluia is the Church’s way of remembering that reality.

Lent is the season of deprivation; we give up earthly joys in union with Christ’s own suffering and to help us grow in the self-discipline we need to live a holy life.  Living without something that is beloved makes us long for it, and you may well notice that with the absence of the praises of Alleluia this Lent.  The great thing is that we know how the story ends, and the anticipation of it’s return in seven weeks will make the song seem brand new once again on Easter morning!

Until then, shhhhh on the “A” word!