Earlier tonight we went to Maundy Thursday services at our Lutheran church. The experience was very moving and meaningful as we observed the significance of the Last Supper by participating in Holy Communion and witnessing a foot-washing ceremony.
“Maundy” is an English form of the Latin word for “commandment.” It was at the Last Supper that Jesus gave a new commandment to his disciples, to “love one another as I have loved you.” And it was at the Last Supper that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a demonstration of his love and servanthood. We celebrated both tonight.
The worship service signified the beginning of the Triduum, the final three days of Lent and at the same time the three days prior to Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve (Saturday Vigil) comprise the Triduum and are observed as one continuous celebration commemorating the central acts of Christianity. Each day needs the other in order to make sense.
“Maundy” is an English form of the Latin word for “commandment.” It was at the Last Supper that Jesus gave a new commandment to his disciples, to “love one another as I have loved you.” And it was at the Last Supper that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a demonstration of his love and servanthood. We celebrated both tonight.
The worship service signified the beginning of the Triduum, the final three days of Lent and at the same time the three days prior to Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve (Saturday Vigil) comprise the Triduum and are observed as one continuous celebration commemorating the central acts of Christianity. Each day needs the other in order to make sense.
The service was a wonderful and meaningful blend of Scripture recitation, seasonal church music and sacrament. Thanks be to God.
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