Maundy Thursday

What in the world does “Maundy” mean?

The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.” As recorded in John’s gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34).

This is the day that Jesus and his disciples celebrate the Jewish Passover meal; this meal is also known as the Last Supper. While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and a cup of wine and told the disciples they were like his body and blood. He invited them to eat and drink these things to remember him.

Instead of the Last Supper in the Gospel of John, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. He tells them to be servants of others, just as he was their servant, to show they are followers of Jesus.

What happens in this service?

This service will seem much like a regular Sunday worship service. Communion is served. However, this year the Worship Committee has decided to have the meaningful addition of feet washing to remember how Jesus washed feet. During this moment of the service, prayerful music is played and anyone who feels called to do so is invited to come forward and sit in a chair to have their feet washed by the clergy. If it is preferred, participants can come forward for a blessing instead. There is no need to wear any kind of special footwear (although stockings are discouraged) as shoes and socks are removed in the chair. While this may feel a little vulnerable or uncomfortable, we are reminded of how all the Holy Weeks services are experiential in nature and are designed to help us feel what Jesus and the disciples felt rather than simple contemplate those moments.

At the end of the service, all adornment (decorations) in the sanctuary is removed. This is called “stripping the church.” Following this, we wash the altar. The bare church prepares us for Good Friday and the hour of Jesus’ death. People leave in silence.