Some thoughts on Lent

Two weeks ago, I started working up my Lenten arrangements. They are some of my favorite pieces to play during the year. I was also thinking of writing a blog to discuss these arrangements. Then from somewhere in the back of my mind came the thought that instrumentals are not allowed during Lent in the Catholic Church. Some quick checking on the internet led me to the Roman Missal, which confirmed my suspicion.

I was deeply disappointed, but after more consideration I decided I could give up playing these pieces as part of my Lenten sacrifice. I even considered removing them from the website. The first Mass I was to play for after my decision was a school Mass. I told my priest before Mass about my decision, but he said to play the instrumentals, so I did. The next day, we had a retired priest friend over for dinner and I asked him his opinion. He was for playing the instrumentals, but reverently and with appropriate Lenten hymns. Last night before Mass, I asked another priest his thoughts after telling him what the Roman Missal said. He said play the instrumentals. That priest is with the Institute of Priestly Formation and is nationally known. He may also be the most spiritual priest I’ve ever known. 

So where does that leave me? Right back where I began, polishing up my Lenten repertoire. I’m not a liturgist – just a convert who dearly loves serving as a Catholic musician. So my opinions and experience have no authoritative backing. But if the Lenten liturgical practice at your church allows Lenten instrumental music and you feel led to play any prelude or postlude instrumental on the guitar, you might want to take a look at some of my Lenten arrangements.

Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days: LGH Lesson 5 | LiturgicalGuitarist.com

Parce Domine: LGH Lesson 6 | LiturgicalGuitarist.com

At the Cross Her Station Keeping: LGH Lesson 3 | LiturgicalGuitarist.com

Save Your People | LiturgicalGuitarist.com

Transfiguration: LGH Lsn 75 | LiturgicalGuitarist.com