Lenten Meditations: Maundy Thursday

Apr 1, 2021 by

Thur

Apr 1

am: 102

pm: 142, 143

Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 1 Cor 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

MAUNDY THURSDAY

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: At the supper that was lovingly prepared for our Lord, probably by his Mother and the other women who followed him and, as the Gospels say, cared for his needs, he rose from the meal, took a basin and a towel, and began to wash his disciple’s feet. This seems to have caused some consternation among the apostles. Washing the feet of guests seems to be the work of a servant, perhaps even a slave.

This ritual carried out every Holy Thursday, in churches in Rome to my neighborhood parish, still speaks volumes. We are humbled by Jesus’ willingness to do such a personal and menial task. The model of love and willingness to sacrifice for others are so strongly portrayed in the simple act of washing feet. With that act, Jesus put his faith in those apostles, and throughout the ages, to each of us.  We don’t always understand, but we can follow Jesus’ example and model of humility and sacrifice.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY :

As you read the Eucharistic lessons today can you imagine the turmoil and tension of that first Passover night. The people put all their trust in Moses and did what they were commanded and at midnight the darkness was filled with wailing as the angel of God took every firstborn Egyptian, man and beast. Amid confusion and fright the Hebrews left Egypt, following their leader Moses. He took them to the Red Sea and safely brought them across by parting the waters with his staff.

It is no accident that the Passion of Jesus takes place at Passover time. Jesus faced a much fiercer opponent than Pharaoh; he faced death itself. To all who were slaves of sin he promised freedom and eternal life if they would follow him. Not everyone could believe but many did and became his disciples. On this holy night, we pledge once again to use our hands and feet for the work of forgiveness, for the work of loving each other. We pledge to wash each other’s feet, to hand over our lives for each other,  for the sake of the world.
We pledge ourselves to do Eucharist, to do this in memory of the One who gave His life for us.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE:  “Contemplate therefore the Bread and Wine not as bare elements, for they are, according to the Lord’s declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ; for though sense suggests this to thee, let faith establish thee. Judge not the matter from taste, but from faith be fully assured without misgiving, that thou hast been vouchsafed the Body and Blood of Christ.” –– St Cyril of Jerusalem

HOLY WEEK DISCIPLINE – Imagine what it would feel like, if your loved one was taken to prison without due cause. Imagine how the apostle’s felt as Jesus was carried away. Maundy Thursday. Read John 13:1 -17, 31b-35. Perhaps washing the  feet of someone with whom you are called to be more intimate with.

Related Posts

Tags

Share This