Maundy Thursday

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet, Ford Madox Brown, 1855

This evening at 7:00 the Maundy Thursday Liturgy will be held in the nave. Everyone is welcome. But first, we need to de-code this first sentence. There is much insider language being used here to describe one of the central worship activities of Christian communities of faith.

The word Maundy originates from the Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum  It refers to a command, order; from the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, “a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another” (John 13:34).

The Thursday of Holy Week, the first day of the Paschal Triduum (the Great Three Days) is Maundy Thursday. On this day we commemorate the institution of the Lord's Supper, the rite of footwashing, and the betrayal of Jesus. At the conclusion of the liturgy this evening, the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday.

In the midst of all this activity, we also have an opportunity to hear clear proclamation of the forgiveness of sins. Corporately we will engage in an examination of conscience and confession of sin. Then everyone is welcome to come forward and receive individual absolution.

Tonight's worship is a time of activity, sensing, seeing, tasting, hearing, and doing. This is not a show or a spectacle. It is a liturgy, literally, a work of the people.

Don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself. All are welcome! Participants are necessary.

Maundy Thursday

April 2, 2015

Prayer of the Day

Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power if your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Readings

Exodos 12:1-14 [5-10] 11-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35