Maundy Thursday

Today many Christians around the world will worship at a Maundy Thursday worship service. For those unfamiliar, you may wonder: What does Maundy mean? Many scholars believe that the English word Maundy comes from the Middle English word Mande and/or the Latin word mandatum – which both mean commandment. On the night he was betrayed, Jesus washed his disciple’s feet, and he said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.”

The washing of feet is an intimate act. In Jesus’ day, after walking on dusty roads, it was quite necessary. His act is the act of a servant, and you may remember that Peter initially refused. He said to Jesus, “You will never wash my feet.” But Jesus says, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”

It is not only hard to serve others, but also hard to accept help from others. But both are acts of love.

On this Holy Day, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the following questions: Are there people in my life who could use my help? If so, how might I show my love for them by serving them, even in a simple way? And, the next time someone offers to help or serve me, can I show my love for them by allowing them to do so?

Jesus reaches out to you even now. May you allow him to minister to you today.

Let us pray: Gracious God, we sit even for a moment in your presence, asking for your Spirit to touch our spirits. In both our giving and our receiving, may our hearts be wide open to you, and to the world around us. Amen.