Ecclesiastical Names for the Sundays in Lent

Regarding the ecclesiastical names for the Sundays in Lent, these are taken from the first word(s) of the Introit [IN-tro-it] for each of the Sundays, as these may be found in the Lutheran Hymnal in the front portion, page 62ff. The names themselves are by tradition in Latin and read as follows:

Invocavit [inn-vo-KAH-vitt] from “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him…” (Psalm 91:15)

Reminiscere [ray-minn-ISS-er-eh] from “Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and Thy lovingkindnesses…” (Psalm 25:6)

Oculi [O-koo-lee] from “Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15)

Laetare [lay-TAH-ray] from “Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all ye that love her.” (Isaiah 66:10)

Judica [YOU-dee-kah] from “Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation.” (Psalm 43:1)

Palmarum [pahl-MAH-room] —an exception to the rule that these titles come from specific passages. The word means “palms” —referring to the palm branches strewn in Jesus’ path upon His entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19). Palm Sunday marks the beginning of “Holy Week,” the week of Jesus’ suffering and death.