The omission of alleluias during Lent goes back at least to the 5th century in the western church. The custom of actually bidding it farewell was developed in the Middle Ages when an alleluia-less Lent was symbolic of the exile of the Israelites in Babylon.

The alleluia is not heard during Lent because of the penitential character of this particular season. This period of individual and congregational reflection on the quality of our baptismal faith and life suggests that the joyful nature of alleluia is more appropriately reserved for our Easter celebrations when it is given full and jubilant voice - a herald of the heavenly splendor of the Resurrection of Christ. Please think of at least one thing that you want to do that will increase the quality of your faith during this reflection time of Lent.