How many of us, as children, used to think today was “Monday
Thursday” and wonder how come we knew our days of the week but all the adults
got confused this time of year?
The word maundy
comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning
command. It refers to the commands made by Jesus Christ on the Thursday he
spent with his disciples at the Last Supper—celebrating Passover and telling
them to be a servant to others, just as he—represented by his washing of their
feet—came to serve.
It was at the Last Supper, that Jesus instituted the
Eucharist—what many modern Christians call “communion” whereby we eat bread and
drink wine or grape juice in remembrance of Jesus’ life on earth and his
sacrifice for our sake.
We are reminded not only of Jesus’ life and death through
the partaking of communion, but we are also reminded more so of his
resurrection and the eternal life we have through him.
Jesus gave us this reminder and then commanded us to
remember him each time we eat and drink bread and wine.
Do we?
We remember Jesus throughout the day—beginning and ending
our day in prayer. We even begin our meals saying grace. But as we’re eating
and drinking; as we’re stressing and stewing; as we’re living our daily lives,
do we remember him?
Three commands: Love others in my name. Serve others in my
name. Remember me.
We can remember Jesus’ commands, not only on Maundy Thursday
but also on Monday, Thursday and every other day of the week.
PRAYER: Jesus,
thank you for your life, your death, your resurrection and for loving us so
much that you would include us in your plan of salvation. Thank you for the
reminders of your life and love you place around us daily. Help us to remember
you in the big things today and in the small things every day. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have a special observance you partake in on Maundy Thursday?
