Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin root for the word “mandate.”  Remember the words of Jesus spoken to His disciples in the Upper Room after they shared the Passover meal and Jesus had washed their feet.  “A new commandment I give unto you, ‘That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.'”  John 13:34

Jesus knew the cross faced Him on the morrow.  He wanted the companionship of His disciples and His Heavenly Father.  Even as He shared this last meal with His friends, he continued to make a last appeal of love to Judas the betrayer.  Read Mark 14:17-42.  It was surely painful to Jesus that Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, and all the rest deserted Him.  But the Good News for the disciples and all who turn to Jesus in every age is that Jesus’ appeal of love for the Creation draws us to love Him.  And, in His self-giving we find the courage to seek to love Him and one another as He loves us.

Since we cannot be together to celebrate the Sacrament He gave the Church that night, when you eat and when you sup this day, remember Jesus gave His life for us.

I have seen these words many times in the last few days “Remember the church building may be empty but so was the tomb.”

God bless and give you comfort and peace.

–Pastor John