“Maundy Thursday”

April 5, 2023

As we are in the midst of this Holy Week, tomorrow is Maundy Thursday. Often times we think about worship services on this day that includes Holy Communion, foot/hand washing, etc.  I have been blessed to lead Maundy Thursday services as well as attend them before I became a pastor.  I wanted to share a little with you that is found on our UMC website about Maundy
Thursday.

Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus.  The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.”

As recorded in John’s gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). This is why services on this night generally include the washing of feet or other acts of physical care as an integral part of the celebration.  While John’s gospel does not record the institution of the Lord’s Supper among the events of this night, the other gospels do.  This is why Christians have traditionally observed this night both at the basin (footwashing) and at the Lord’s Table (Holy Communion).

Let us remember the commandment that Jesus gives his disciples on that night so many years ago: love one another.  May we go and do likewise on this Maundy Thursday.   Amen.

Jake