Dear siblings in Christ,
Lent begins in just five days, on Ash Wednesday, March 5 (you’re invited to join us for Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 7pm). Lent is a season of repentance and renewal, where for 40 days we walk “the way of the cross” through prayer, fasting, and giving: spiritual practices that help us create space to encounter more of God’s grace as we journey with Jesus toward the cross and resurrection.
One of the ways we practice Lent together is through several changes to our liturgy for Holy Eucharist on Sunday mornings. Here is some of what we do, and why:
- We don’t say “Alleluia”. We refrain from shouting or singing this joyful acclamation of praise until Easter Sunday to highlight the sober (not somber!), reflective nature of Lent.
- We say the Confession of Sin is at the beginning of the service. This is called a “penitential order,” because it emphasizes the penitential nature of Lent.
- The first song after the procession is a prayer for mercy instead of a song of praise, again, emphasizing the Lenten themes of repentance and renewal.
- Our music becomes simpler. We will say portions of the service instead of sing them. (We’ll also be learning to chant the Psalms together!)
- We use communion wafers for Holy Eucharist instead of home baked bread. This underscores the “stripped-down” feel of Lent (and makes us eager for the return of home-baked bread at Easter!).
- We use the Agnus Dei as our “fraction anthem” (the words said after the bread is broken), which is a prayer to Jesus the Lamb of God to have mercy on us and grant us peace.
- At the end of service, instead of a Blessing, a Solemn Prayer is said. We save the joyful proclamation of blessing for Easter (just like “Alleluia”).
It’s easy for us to get the wrong idea about Lent. It is a solemn season, but not a somber season. It’s a time of self-reflection, but not self-condemnation. It’s a season of repentance, but not punishment. It’s a time for sorrow over sin, but not wallowing in shame.
Please let me know if you have any questions about these liturgical changes, or about Lent in general. And as you worship this Lent, I encourage you to notice your internal responses to the liturgical changes. What emotions and thoughts stir in you? Be open to and accepting of whatever comes up for you, and then be curious about it with God and others. Here’s to a good Lent!
Grace and peace,
Fr. Ben
