Burying the A-Word

We're mere days away from the end of Lent and the return of the A-word in the Episcopal Church. That's right, the alleluias are soon to make a return to your Sunday Holy Eucharist! Some churches, often during the children's sermon, will engage in the burial of the alleluias to memorialize their absence during Lent.

But is it true that alleluias must be omitted during Lent? And if so, why?

First, Lent is a penitential and reflective season that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends the Saturday before Easter (Holy Saturday). It is designed to provide an opportunity for intentional self-examination, repentance, and reconciliation.

Alleluia is the Latin translation of the Hebrew term hallelujah, and in English "Praise the Lord."

While there is never a bad time to praise the Lord, it is not difficult to appreciate the liturgical logic behind avoiding the use of the term Alleluia during a penitential season.

But is the omission required?

Page 364 of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (the most current version) states, "In Lent, Alleluia is omitted and may be omitted at other times except during Easter Season." So yes, omission is required. On the bright side, after a long period of stifled alleluias, in just two more Sundays, you can let them all out. Alleluia! (Whoops!)