Maundy Thursday
Holy Week Reflections 2021
On Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples. In this intimate moment, Jesus removed his outer garments, took a basin of water, and began washing his disciples’ feet. After humbly serving them, he gives them a new mandatum - Latin for “commandment” and from which we get the name Maundy Thursday - saying, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:15). Jesus’ example elicits a response. It ushers a decisive moment in which to take action. Jesus did for you what he wants you to do for others: humbly serve with no strings attached.
Also on this holy night, Jesus took bread and said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). And in the same way, he took the cup, saying, “This is the new covenant of my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). Receiving the body and blood of Jesus is one of the greatest gifts we receive. In fact, there is no life in us unless we partake of this divine and holy gift (c.f. John 6:53-55).
On this Maundy Thursday, I encourage you to go out of your way to serve someone with the love of Jesus. And as you take Jesus’ body and blood into your own body, be reminded of the gift of life that is yours in Jesus’ name!