Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the first day of what is traditionally known as the Triduum, which essentially means “The Great Three Days.” And, no, it’s not ‘Monday’ Thursday as it may seem to be pronounced (or as some thought when they were kids in a liturgical church).

So, what does “maundy” mean?! It comes from the Latin “mandatum,” which basically means “commandment.” That makes a kind of sense, doesn’t it? I mean, it’s not a far stretch to see “mandate” in there. (In fact, the software I’m writing this on tried to autocorrect the Latin term to “mandate” while I typed. Ha!)

Holy Thursday (as some refer to it) is so named “Maundy” because this is the day we remember the final Passover feast Jesus celebrated with His disciples. And, at that celebration, Jesus says to them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)

The way Jesus demonstrates this love is by humbling himself and washing the feet of His disciples. Jesus the Christ, God incarnate, takes on a task typically reserved for the lowliest of servants. At our Maundy Thursday service, we mimic Jesus’ humility by washing one another’s feet.

In addition to the foot-washing ceremony, we will partake in celebrating Holy Eucharist—which Jesus also instituted on this same night he broke bread with and washed His disciples’ feet. (This is no small matter, but this brief article can’t cover the magnitude and beauty of the Lord’s Supper.)

Afterward, we will strip the altar. The “Stripping of the Altar” involves removing all of the elements used during worship: the chalice (the cup which holds our communion wine), the paten (the plate which has the bread), books, candles, linens, and anything on the Table. It is often done hastily and sometimes dramatically.

The significance in the tradition of Stripping of the Altar is sobering. Those implements, which are otherwise special and sacred, on this night are treated as common. Just as Jesus was so treated as a common criminal. We gather around the now-bare altar. Yet, just as Jesus’ friends and followers did after His arrest, we’ll all eventually leave; leave the church to return to our respective homes.

This somber tone of worship will carry on to Good Friday. But, we know that Sunday is coming; and that means Resurrection! Until then--until Resurrection Sunday--we allow ourselves to sit in the sorrow. Blessed be the God of our salvation.

Adam