MAUNDY THURSDAY

Suggested Readings:

Exodus 12:1-14

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

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 “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words “I give you a new commandment.” (John 13:34) The new commandment is: “that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (Italics added)

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) hold the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) as the central event of the last supper. In John, the central event of that last meal is the foot washing. There is no explicit institution of the eucharist. The discourse in John 6 is the place where institution of the eucharist is lodged because, for John, all of Jesus’ life, rather than one specific event at the end of his life, “institutes” the sacrament of the eucharist. In the “I am” sayings of chapter 6, Jesus says that he is the food that gives life, not manna or any other bread. It is through eating his flesh and drinking his blood in the eucharist that the believer can share fully in this food. To share in the eucharistic meal is not to remember or commemorate one event, but is to share in all of Jesus’ life, including ultimately his death. Participation in the eucharist creates a relationship between Jesus and the believer that contains within it the promise of new life. (Gail R. O’Day, New Interpreter’s Study Bible)

The farewell meal begins with a statement of Jesus’ perfect love for his own. In the act of washing the disciples’ feet Jesus provides a visible description of the love that he then commands his followers to imitate. Washing feet was the job of a servant. Jesus humbled himself to take on the role of of a servant. This servant will be obedient to the point of death to prove his love.

The love that Jesus demonstrated in this act of service is the love that is to define the community that bears his name. Jesus was not speaking just to the individuals gathered around the table that night Jesus was addressing the community of believers who would come to faith as a result of the disciples’ mission and ministry. Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in community. The Church, in its best moments is the community of the beloved and the loving

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 italics added)

Throughout this Lenten journey we have been charged to reflect on what the text is saying to us. This text cuts deep into the heart of our motivations as Christians and members of a Christian community i.e., the Church. We have all heard the stories of pain and disillusionment of those who have abandoned the church because of unloving actions and attitudes on the part of those who profess faith but live out hatred and prejudice. It is often the case that we in the church are expecting to be served rather than being willing to serve.

It is a command, not a suggestion, that we love one another. Maundy Thursday, is the right time to fall on our knees, ask forgiveness, and commit to live into the love we proclaim. The familiar song says, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Really? Let’s honestly reflect on our lives. Let’s take an honest look at the communities of faith to which we belong. Do those outside see the love of God in word and action?