Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word Mandatum, meaning “commandment,” and it is Jesus’ final commandment to his followers in John’s Gospel, “Love one another as I have loved you,” that we remember today.
Traditionally on this night, we wash one another’s feet. The washing of feet on Maundy Thursday is one of the most ancient and universal rites in the Christian Church. It has its origin in John’s Gospel. Unique among the Gospels, John has no account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, including instead the account of the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus with the admonition, “Do this for one another.” Jesus was pointing to this act as a sign of our servant ministry to one another and the world.
This evening, we will be bridging this ancient rite with our contemporary context by not only washing one another’s feet but also washing one another’s hands in preparation for a shared Eucharistic meal: a simple supper of soup, bread and wine designed to emulate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples before his arrest. We will have our feet washed at stations, then find a seat at the long dinner table where we will wash one another’s hands. I will walk around the table to anoint each person on the forehead with oil. We will then say Grace communally through the Prayers of the People. Peace will be exchanged, and we will celebrate Eucharist at our dinner table.
We will serve one another soup. An invitation to partake in the Body and Blood of Christ will be extended as usual, and the consecrated breadbred and wine will be distributed to each person at their seat. We will enjoy this meal and fellowship for a time and will close with a prayer. The reserve sacrament will then be processed to the Altar of Repose where it will lie in state overnight. The main altar will be stripped, washed, and anointed, and the Sanctuary candle extinguished. You may then remain in quiet prayer or depart in silence to prepare for Christ’s crucifixion.
May we have the Grace to love as Christ loved, serve as Christ served, and never forget his sacrifice for us. May we be the face of Christ in the world.
Rev. Angela Furlong
Priest-in-Charge