Quinquagesima Sunday

[St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach, performed by the Münchener Bach Orchestra & Choir, Karl Richter, conductor.]

Today is the last Sunday before the season of Lent begins in the coming week on Ash Wednesday. While the Sundays in Lent aren't days of penance and fasting (Sunday is always a day of celebration in honor of our Lord's resurrection), this particular Sunday is usually somber, looking forward to the penitential season that is about to begin.