Maundy (Holy) Thursday

The word is Maundy, not Monday. My daughter insisted it is Monday Thursday, which is just plain confusing. Then again, she speaks for many who misunderstand the title of the day.

Holy Thursday is the day we remember the Last full day of Jesus' ministry that is filled with action. John's Gospel (from where the term Maundy derives) has the events at a dinner prior to the Passover (which would have been on Friday instead of Thursday)but where Jesus was anointed, then he washed the disciples' feet. The term Maundy is from this event, "a new commandment I give to you..." or in latin, mandatum. It's a reference specifically to the washing of the feet, an act of servanthood Jesus performed and asks us to perform for each other. It's a true sign of a disciple becoming like Jesus.


Today is also remembered for the Last Supper, where Jesus shared the Passover Seder. He broke bread, prepared his disciples, then went out to the Mount of Olives to pray. He fell down at a large rock in the Garden of Gethsemane (above) and began to sweat great drops of blood. His prayer in the Synoptic Gospels says he prayed that "this cup might pass by him, yet not what I want but what you want." John's Gospel reveals much more about his prayer (chapter 17) where he prays for the strength of his followers in the days to come, Thanksgiving for the things God had accomplished, and for the future followers who would eventually believe and serve him. In other words, Jesus prayed for you in the Garden!

Like all of Holy Week, today is another day to remember. But we are not just to remember the things that happened, but also remember the why, the how, the impact it had and still has on our lives. To remember from the Biblical perspective is also to participate in it. The Passover liturgy says, "when we were in Egypt..." as participants of God's saving acts even now. It's exactly what we celebrate today in the Last Supper (Holy Communion/Eucharist), we are participating in the event.

God is still in the act of saving us and we are called, mandated (i.e.Maundy) to remember, to participate, to claim the very saving act of God for us in Jesus Christ. It's a great Holy Day. Immerse yourself in the story. Let Jesus' words speak to you,

"This is my blood of the New Covenant poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me."

It's the price he paid...


...for you!


Peace ><>
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