In the Penitential Season of Lent, one notices a huge change in the Liturgical environment: Flowers no longer adorn the altar, the color changes from the vibrant hues of green and white to a somber Violet-Red.
In Music, this change is also reflected through Aural Austerity, that is, the deliberate reduction of music in order to facilitate an atmosphere of reflection and penance.
During this time, the hymns chosen must reflect an atmosphere of penance, repentance, and turning back to the Lord. These must lead us to a spiritual preparation for the Easter Feast. The texts of the Lectionary, particularly the passages of the Gospel, can be of help in selecting songs during Lent.
Musical Instruments are used minimally—they may be played only to give necessary support to the singing. Singing in acapella, that is, without musical accompaniment may be considered during this season.
This aural austerity is partially lifted on the fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) and on solemnities and feasts at which musical instruments may be played.
The Gloria may still be sung during this season, but only during solemnities and nuptial Masses, since the Ritual Mass calls for the singing of this hymn.
However, regardless of the Celebration, be it a Solemnity, Nuptial Mass, or any other celebration, the ALLELUIA is not sung, said, or mentioned in any way throughout the entire Season of Lent. It will be heard once again when the Priest intones it during the Easter vigil.
In place of the Alleluia, there are Gospel Acclamations, which one can find in the Lectionary. During the Season of Lent, there are 8 refrains commonly used in place of the Alleluia:
- Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
- Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom of God the Father!
- Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
- Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God!
- Praise and honor to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
- Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!
- Marvelous and great are your works, O Lord!
- Salvation, glory, and power to the Lord Jesus Christ
These are used to emphasize greatly the penitential nature of Lent through the absence of the Alleluia—an acclamation of praise. The substitution of a non-Alleluia acclamatory text during Lent reflects an ancient tradition of “fasting” or “abstaining” from the Alleluia during the penitential forty days.