The Silence of the Praise

It starts on Septuagesima: no more joyful Alleluias. Instead, the plaintive Tracts appear.

It deepens on Ash Wednesday: no more Gloria in Excelsis (and at St. Paul's, the nine-fold Kyrie appears and the Apostles' Creed replaces the Nicene in all Divine Services).

It deepens further still on Judica (the fifth Sunday in Lent): no more Gloria Patris.

The silence of the praise grows deeper and more profound in stages throughout the days of Pre-Lent, Lent, and Passiontide, until we are reduced to silence before the marvel of the Cross on Palmarum and throughout Holy Week. And having stood before the Supreme Sacrifice in silence on Good Friday, our praises burst forth with greater joy than can be imagined in uncounted alleluias and Glorias come the great Paschal Feast.

Lamb of God, pure and holy,
Who on the cross didst suffer,
Ever patient and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us,
Else had despair reigned o'er us;
Have mercy on us, O Jesus! O Jesus!
Thy peace be with us, O Jesus! O Jesus!