Burying the Alleluia

Alleluia  is a part of  the special vocabulary of the church that includes words that are not translated, like amen, baptism, eucharist, Kyrie eleison, agnus Dei and maranatha. They are simply taken over from the original languages and used in the special context of worship.

Alleluia comes from the Hebrew “Hallelujah,” which is composed of an imperative form of the verb halal, “to praise, shout, sing praise,” plus yah, an abbreviated form of the personal name of God. It means “to give praise to God.” It is used in latter sections of the Book of the Psalms in hymns of praise and thanksgiving. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent, allelouia, is used in the nineteenth chapter of the Book of Revelation, where it celebrates the victory of God over sin, evil and death.

The church my wife pastors in Amityville observes a curious custom rooted in Christian history.  Hanging on a wall in the sanctuary is a banner with the word “Alleluia” written on it. It is used throughout the year in worship, except during the forty days of the Lenten season. It is taken down before Lent begins, rolled up, and put in a coffin-shaped box. It is a very sad time for the congregation. During Lent, the word “Alleluia” is never said, read, or sung.

On Easter morning, the children participate in a search for the hidden box containing the banner.  When they find it, they joyfully bring it to the chancel area. The banner is removed, opened wide, raised on high,and swung wide, while the congregation sings “Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia!” All the painful thoughts of the buried banner are overcome with shouts of joy, praise and affirmation.

Alleluia captures the meaning of Easter. During the long penitential season of Lent, we hide our joy, and remember our sinful ways. We give up something, and exercise discipline and thoughtfulness. We meditate on the final serious days of the life of Jesus and study his last teachings and words. This concludes in the blackness and isolation of Good Friday

Then everything changes in the astounding brightness of Easter morning. It is time for us to “unbury our Alleluias!” Death is not the last word. We take out our banner and we sing songs of praise “Alleluia, Christ is risen from the dead!”