What are Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima Sundays?

Historical Context and Overview

Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima Sundays are traditionally part of a preparatory period leading up to Lent in certain Western liturgical calendars. The terms themselves have their origins in the Latin counting of days before Easter. While not observed in all contemporary Christian communities, these Sundays historically gave believers a structured way to prepare for the solemn season of Lent. Evidence of these observances can be found in medieval liturgical writings and older church calendars. Some of the earliest documented usages appear in various manuscripts and missals of the early medieval period, illustrating a cohesive practice across many regions.

Meaning of the Terms

• “Septuagesima” derives from the Latin word for “seventieth,” marking roughly seventy days before Easter.

• “Sexagesima” comes from the Latin word for “sixtieth,” indicating about sixty days before Easter.

• “Quinquagesima” signifies “fiftieth,” indicating about fifty days before Easter.

These names do not always align with a precise count of days but rather serve as symbolic markers. They represent a season of thoughtful transition from ordinary time toward the self-examination and repentance traditionally associated with Lent.

Liturgical Observance and Timing

Historically, Septuagesima Sunday falls three Sundays before Ash Wednesday. Sexagesima Sunday follows a week later, and Quinquagesima Sunday occurs on the Sunday immediately preceding Ash Wednesday. While many modern calendars no longer list these Sundays by their ancient Latin designations, some churches continue to include them in their liturgical cycle to maintain a rhythm of preparation.

During these Sundays, congregations have often focused on specific Scripture readings that emphasize themes like humility, confession, and the grace of God. The period serves as an encouragement for believers to reflect on their spiritual condition, echoing the heart of exhortations like Joel 2:12: “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Biblical Themes and Readings

While there is no universal set of assigned readings for every denomination that observes these Sundays, certain passages have historically been associated with them.

• On Septuagesima Sunday, themes often include the “race” of life and the laborers in the vineyard (cf. Matthew 20:1–16). Believers are reminded of the generosity of God and the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in following Him.

• Sexagesima Sunday sometimes features selections such as the Parable of the Sower (cf. Luke 8:4–15) or references from 2 Corinthians 11–12, highlighting both the power of God’s Word and the reality of human weakness, where God’s strength is made perfect in infirmity (2 Corinthians 12:9: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’”).

• Quinquagesima Sunday is frequently associated with 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter.” The text underscores the primacy of love within the believer’s life: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Spiritual Significance for Believers

These Sundays historically serve as a guide to spiritual mindfulness before entering Lent. Rather than (or in addition to) the more intense disciplines of Lent, these weeks invite reflection on discipleship, godly living, and the nature of saving faith.

They also highlight key doctrinal truths:

1. The need for ongoing repentance, in line with Christ’s call in Matthew 4:17: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

2. The abiding reality that God’s grace is foundational to salvation and daily walking in faith.

3. The centrality of love and humility, preparing hearts for the deeper contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection to come in Lent and finally at Easter.

Liturgical Traditions and Variations

Different Christian communions have flourished in preserving or adapting these Sundays:

• In some traditions, the liturgical color changes around Septuagesima Sunday, shifting from green (used in ordinary time) to violet or a more penitential color, foreshadowing the season of Lent.

• Music and prayers might take on a more solemn tone, pointing believers to themes of repentance and God’s mercy.

• Even communities that no longer reference these Sundays by their historical names may maintain a sense of gradual transition from the everyday bustle to a season of remembrance and reflection on the passion and resurrection of Christ.

Historical Manuscript Evidence

Older lectionary manuscripts, including the Comes of Alcuin (an early medieval collection of Scripture readings), mention these Sundays. Their consistent appearance in centuries-old sources attests both to a unified practice across wide Christian geography and to the broader reliability of the church’s liturgical heritage. This rich tapestry of documentation underscores the importance of corporate worship practices in shaping believers’ hearts and minds through the centuries.

Practical Lessons and Application

1. Preparation

Setting aside time to ready one’s heart before Lent can foster a deeper experience of repentance and appreciation of Christ’s redeeming work on the cross. Like an athlete training before a major competition, believers have an opportunity to spiritually “warm up.”

2. Reflection

Meditating on Scripture passages that highlight grace, endurance, and love helps cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and humility. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

3. Communal Emphasis

Observing these Sundays in a corporate setting encourages unity among believers. Shared prayer, teaching, and worship harmonize the body of Christ with a common theme of renewal and focus on the upcoming Lenten season.

4. Personal Devotion

Beyond Sunday services, individuals may set aside moments of prayer, reflection, and possibly fasting, echoing biblical examples of preparation (Matthew 6:16–18; Acts 13:2–3).

Conclusion

Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima Sundays hold an important place in certain Western Christian traditions, historically acting as stepping-stones toward the season of Lent. Through Scripture-based themes and focused worship, believers have used these Sundays to prepare their hearts, contemplating God’s grace, love, and the call to repentance. Rooted in time-honored liturgical heritage and manuscript evidence, these observances continue to serve as meaningful touchpoints for the faithful who seek a deeper appreciation of the redemptive work completed by Christ, culminating in His resurrection at Easter.