3rd Sunday of Lent
Processional hymn: Jesus, Meek And Lowly, 833
Recessional hymn: Forty Days and Forty Nights, 829
Kyriale: Mass XVII, 762; Credo VI, 788
Offertory Antiphon: Justitiæ Domine, G.P. Palestrina
Communion Hymn: Surge, Amica Mea, G.M. Asola (ca.1532–1609)
Part of G.P. Palestrina’s prolific compositional output includes the publication, Offertoria totius anni, which contains 68 five-voice choral settings of Offertory Antiphons for Sundays and major feasts. This Sunday’s Offertory is taken from this compilation.
Palestrina uses melodies and harmonies centered in a major key, giving the motet a bright color and conveying the joyful nature of the Psalm. The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart his judgments sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb. For thy servant keeps them. –Psalm 18:9,11-12
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.