Thursday, April 21, 2011

Maundy Thursday

I remember going to Maundy Thursday services with my parents and siblings.  It was very personal and meaningful. The "services" that we attended were not formal. Families attended during a particular time frame during the evening and participated in the Lord's Supper as a family only.  I wish more services were like this.

Tonight, churches all over the world will be celebrating Maundy Thursday.  The exact Maundy Thursday meaning has perhaps changed over the years, but today it is based on early Christian traditions.  The meaning of Maundy can be traced to the word mandatum - which means a mandate. So, Maundy Thursday represents the mandate given to Christians to follow in the steps of Jesus.

Traditionally, Christians attending a Maundy Thursday service will experience the Lord’s supper, and/or the washing of feet and the traditional reading of Psalm 21 and 22. Again, however, the actual "rituals" performed vary from church to church across the United States.

Even if you don't attend a Maundy Thursday service tonight, I would encourage you to spend some personal time in reflection, humbleness, and gratitude for the celebration and meaning of the Easter weekend.
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