Music for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Missale Romanum of 1962, 9:30 a.m.)
Prelude: Partitas on Ach, was soll ich Sünder machen? (BWV 770) (Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750)
Mass of Toulouse (anonymous, XIV C.)
Gregorian Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Lent: Laetare
Hymn at the Offertory: Miserere mei (William Byrd, c.1543-1623)
Motet at the Communion: Audi benigne Conditor (plainsong, mode ii)
Postlude: Partitas on Ach, was soll ich Sünder machen? (BWV 770) (Bach)
Music for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Missale Romanum of 1970, 11:30 a.m.)
Missa pro Dominicis Adventus & Quadragesimae (Vatican Gradual, Mass XVII)
Motet at the Offertory: The King of Love My Shepherd Is (St. Columba)
Communion: Lutum fecit (plainsong, mode vi)
Motet at the Communion: Attende Domine (plainsong)
Organ music as above
On the use of the organ on Laetare Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of Lent derives its Latin name from the first word of the Mass text, “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem). It is a day of joy within the penitential season. The altars may be decorated with flowers, organ playing is permitted, and the priests may wear rose-colored vestments instead of purple. The reason for such display of joy is explained in a sermon by Pope Innocent III (1216): “On this Sunday, which marks the middle of Lent, a measure of consoling relaxation is provided, so that the faithful may not break down under the severe strain of Lenten fast but may continue to bear the restrictions with a refreshed and easier heart.”
