Do you normally attend worship on Maundy Thursday? For whatever reason, chances are pretty good that many of you don't. Maybe you already were at worship this past Sunday, and you're planning to be in worship on Good Friday. Plans are set for Easter, of course. Why bother with Maundy Thursday?
Well, let me share with you something I've been thinking and praying about. There is this word, "Maundy" that we use to describe this Thursday. Let's just say it. It's one of those churchy words that we use that we assume everyone understands. It is probably not a very accurate assumption. Maundy is a Latin word that means command. We read in John 13:34 that Jesus gives us a new commandment, mandatum novum, to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
Jesus gave us an example of what this love looks like. It takes the form of humble service. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to demonstrate what loving service to one another looks like. Take some time between now and Thursday evening to read John 13. A representative group has agreed to participate in foot washing this year in the context of our Maundy Thursday liturgy.
I'm looking forward to seeing you at our Maundy Thursday service . . . and Good Friday service . . . and Easter service. This is Holy Week for a reason. It's about Passion, Love, and Life. Come and see. Behold the cross. You won't regret time spent in the presence of these holy things in God's holy house, in the midst of God's holy people.
Peace be with you.
Holy Week services have been a part of my church life for a long time. By participating in these services help me understand what happened to Jesus at that time in his life and to feel the sadness of the time.
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