Mar202008
Thursday
Filed under Christian Year by Paul at 3:34 pm on Mar 20 2008
Today is what is traditionally called “Maundy” Thursday - the first of the “three Great days” leading up to Easter. Today we journey with Jesus from the table of the Last Supper to the garden of Gethsemane to the court of the Sanhedrin
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin Mandatum Novum which means “new commandment”. It was on this day that Jesus said these words, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” He says this just moments after setting for them an example of servant-love by washing their feet. ( John 13:15-17 , John 13:34-35 )
One main focus of this day is Jesus’ call and command to be servants. He shows us the way by the washing of his disciples feet and ultimately in the giving of his life. We meditate on the “new command” that Jesus gave and examine our lives according to this call to love one another.
We are also invited to remember Jesus’ journey to the cross as he prayed in the garden a prayer of agony and sorrow (Matthew 26:36-46). We see in this prayer Jesus’ humanity and his heart that is totally given to the will of His Father. Jesus willingly surrendered himself knowing what awaited him.
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