Message for Maundy Thursday – April 6, 2023

Reflections on Maundy Thursday:

Maundy Thursday is an occasion for a number of observances.  It was the last night that Jesus spent with his disciples; and so on the top of the list is the institution of the Holy Eucharist.  His sharing of bread and wine with his disciples at that last meal, with the command, “Do this in remembrance of me”, has become the basis for the continuing celebration of the Eucharist throughout the Christian era.  This will be our primary focus this Maundy Thursday.

On that same evening Jesus washed the feet of his disciples giving an example of his great humility, and that too has become a regular feature in our observance of the day.

Then too, we cannot forget the prayer of Jesus that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, particularly his yielding to the Father’s will, and his pleading that his followers should be one.  In many places his invitation to the disciples to watch and pray, and his disappointment on their failure to do so, has led to the practice of watching through the night with appropriate readings and bidding prayers and silences.

Finally, Maundy Thursday is the occasion when priests and church workers renew the vows they made when they were ordained or commissioned.  It is a time to pray for your ministers. May you be blessed in a truly special way, on this very special day.