A New Commandment

Maundy Thursday. It’s always a challenge to tell other people who don’t have services on this day why we do, and what that strange word “Maundy” even means. Maundy Thursday is the first of the three days of Easter. It might be easier if we called it “Holy Thursday” as some traditions do, but once you realize Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning "commandment" – it begins to make more sense and even right, as the events of the night in the Upper Room are replayed. Our congregation shares a simple meal of soup, bread and water, perhaps not a true Seder meal, but one that holds the same emphasis of community and serving each other. Moving into worship service, the readings tell of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples and we hear him say, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35).

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
"They'll Know We Are Christians" by Peter Scholtes

On this night we realize something momentous has affected our worship, first by the actions and words of Jesus, and finally as all of the adornments and decorations are taken out of the sanctuary and black cloths are draped over the remaining fixtures on the altar. "The rhythm of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter is the rhythm of baptism: hearing the commandment of love, dying to the old way of life, and rising with Christ to show this love to all." (pcusa.org)

My prayer for the congregation?

Jesus, our feet are dirty from the journey.
We have not loved one another as you have loved us.
Callousness and violence stain our hearts and lives.
How will we become clean again?
We see the table there,
but who will make us clean and ready for the meal?
Where will we find water for these soiled soles?
Restore us to the joy of God's salvation.
Amen.
- Daniel Benedict