Maundy Thursday

April 6, 2023

Maundy Thursday is the day we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. Their ritual meal was a celebration of the Jewish Passover, but Jesus gave new meaning to the bread and wine they shared. Our sacrament of Holy Communion is a constant reminder of this meal and Jesus’ promise to be with us always. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word meaning “command.”

During the Last Supper, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) In the Gospel of John, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet before the Last Supper as an act of humility and service.

The Maundy Thursday service ends with the Stripping of the Altar removing all linens, candles, books, and everything we use in our worship services from the altar — including the reserved Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. Every element of Jesus’ presence is taken away in preparation for Good Friday.

Services are at 5:30 p.m. in the nave.

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