The season of a Lent is a highlight in the Catholic calendar. An opportunity for "spiritual self improvement", Lent focuses on an increased emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In the weeks ahead, use this time as a wonderful preparation period for the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.
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7 Ways to Make Lent Joyful: |
| * Start all prayers with praise |
| * Take time with God in a beautiful place |
| * Don't carry the world's pain on your own back |
| * Fast for the sake of richer food – the daily Eucharist |
| * Take flowers and a smile to a sick person |
| * Reconcile with an estranged friend |
| * Compliment someone for making the world better |
Why Don't Roman Catholics Sing the Alleluia During Lent?
Throughout the liturgical year, the Catholic Church makes certain changes to the Mass to reflect the liturgical season. Next to the change in the color of the priest's vestments, the absence of the Alleluia during Lent is probably the most obvious.
The Meaning of the Alleluia
The Alleluia comes to us from Hebrew, and it means "praise Yahweh." Traditionally, it has been seen as the chief term of praise of the choirs of angels, as they worship around the throne of God in Heaven. It is, therefore, a term of great joy, and our use of the Alleluia during Mass is a way of participating in the angels' worship. It is also a reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven is already established on earth, in the form of the Church, and that our participation in Mass is a participation in Heaven.
Our Lenten Exile
During Lent, however, our focus is on the Kingdom coming, not on the Kingdom having come. The readings in the Masses for Lent and in the Liturgy of the Hours focus heavily on the spiritual journey of Old Testament Israel toward the coming of Christ, and the salvation of mankind in His death and resurrection.
We, too, are on a spiritual journey, toward the Second Coming and our future life in Heaven. In order to emphasize that journey, the Church, during Lent, removes the Alleluia from the Mass. We no longer sing with the choirs of angels; instead, we acknowledge our sins and practice repentance so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God as the angels do.
The Return of the Alleluia at Easter
That day comes triumphally on Easter Sunday – or, rather, at the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday night, when the priest chants a triple Alleluia before he reads the Gospel, and everyone present responds with a triple Alleluia. The Lord is risen; the Kingdom has come; our joy is complete; and, in concert with the angels and saints, we greet the risen Lord with shouts of "Alleluia!"
By Scott P. Richert
What Almsgiving Really Means
Giving alms has always been an important part of Lent. For many people, it means giving money to Catholic charities or some other good cause.
But the concept of almsgiving goes much deeper. It is our response to the teachings of Jesus that encourage us to reach out to people in need—not just with our money—but with our time and our talents. Today we might call it 'stewardship.'
Lent gives us the opportunity to cultivate a spirit of generosity. It gives us a chance to share what we have and who we are with other people. It puts us in communion with others and helps us understand that we are all members of the Body of Christ.
Think carefully about how you will share your time, your talents and your treasure during Lent. Keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
“courtesy of Our Sunday Visitor”