This morning, at Mass, I was struck by the continuing omnipresence of the word “alleluia” in the liturgies of the Easter season. Even though our society put those chocolate bunnies on sale weeks ago, the Church knows better and still fully immersed in this season of joy and praise.

I find it interesting that even verses with seemingly little connection to this “A word,” abolished during Lent, now end with Alleluia, exhorting us to “praise the Lord” (English translation of the word).

So, we might ask, why do we end the majority of our antiphons and liturgical proclamations with “alleluia,” “praise the Lord,” for over a month and a half, through Pentecost?

Is there a lesson for us?

I think so! God has done truly amazing things for us…At Easter, we celebrate the marvelous mystery of Christ’s resurrection, His conquering of sin and death. This truly merits our praise!

The ongoing prolific alleluias also might serve as a reminder for our daily lives, not only during Easter, but throughout the year, that we should be in the habit of giving thanks and praise.

Just as we exclaimed “alleluia” at least three times during the course of a ordinary Easter weekday Mass (though who can call the Mass ordinary?), we would do well to say it repeatedly in our hearts throughout the day!

Regardless of what the other words of the verses are about at Mass, we so often end them with “alleluia” during this joyous Eastertide; how much more should I lift my heart in praise, regardless of (or because of) the circumstances that surround me.

Alleluia!!!