With Maundy Thursday coming up on April 5, I got to thinking, "What does 'Maundy' really mean, anyway. I should know this, as a good Lutheran. So, I went to the source of all knowledge these days--Wikipedia--and found this entry, where I learn that we really are commemorating four events in one little service on that one evening: 1) the washing of the Disciple's feet by Jesus Christ, 2) the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, 3) the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and 4) the betrayal of Christ by Judas.
Well, if that's not an invitation to a special service, I don't know what is! Oh, and what about that whole "Maundy" thing? Here's Wikipedia's take on it:
The word Maundy, used only in this context, is generally held to be derived through Middle English, and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" (A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34) by which Jesus explained to the Apostles the significance of his action of washing their feet.
Love one another as I have loved you. Good advice, don't you think?
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I think Maundy Thursday is one of the most "dramatic" services in the life of Jesus, even more so than the story of his birth. Just think of how many movies, musicals, books, and works of art are based on the events of this one night alone!
Anyone who says "I don't go to church anymore, it's too BORING" certainly never attended this service!
Joe.
Posted by: Joe Baumgarten | April 01, 2007 at 07:40 PM