Laetatus sum
A happy Laetare Sunday to all, in which Holy Mother Church bids us rejoice. The Introit for today’s Holy Mass reads:
Laetare Jerusalem et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam; gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis, ut exsultetis et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. Ps: Laetatus sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus.
The psalm quoted in the second part is Psalm 122(121), one of the psalms of ascent, those sung by the Hebrews as they ascended the steps of the temple. I was glad! the psalmist exclaims. Why is he glad? Why are we glad? I was glad when they said unto me: let us go unto the house of the Lord. This verse is repeated again in the gradual for today’s Mass. Just the thought of entering the Lord’s house gives us gladness. Let us think also of the ascent toward the Holy City we are making this Lent, as Our Lord makes his way to Jerusalem to fulfil His Passion. Let us go to Jerusalem, and die with Him.
Here is the introit itself, just the plain chant:
And here is possibly the most famous English setting of the psalm: Hubert Parry’s exuberant “I was glad!”
This was traditionally used at the coronation of English Kings and Queens. I couldn’t find a good version without “Vivats”, so we’ll have to bear with those in this version for Queen Elizabeth (the Latin pronunciation leaves something to be desired too). The trumpet fanfare that introduces the piece is grand and magnificent as the orchestra’s powerful chords frame the ascending chorus. The chorus and the brass continue to go back and forth throughout creating this antiphonal effect. The orchestra seizes upon this and rises to give this imperial air as the fanfare returns before the vivats. Then everything calms down as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, before the brass once again sounds its joy. It’s intense and dramatic and captures the great awe of the temple of the Lord and the joy one has entering His holy house.
Despite the toil and struggle of Lent, let us be glad. Let us rejoice, as the Introit demands that we do. It is an imperative: Rejoice! Despite the sufferings and crosses that we take on during Lent, let us rejoice as we approach Our Lord’s Passion. As the Apostle reminds us: And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope; And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us.
Laetare Jerusalem! Gaudete cum laetitia!
Sancta Caecilia, ora pro nobis!