To them, it was only a Passover meal. They were good Jews. It was a ritual they had each learned at their homes as they grew and were taught the traditions of their people.
It was a time of feasting. It was a time of fellowship. Why did the teacher seem to be so withdrawn? He seemed preoccupied.
The merry band bantered about the time when the teacher would reveal Himself as the chosen one; the Messiah; the One who would overthrow the Romans and return the Kingdom to the Hebrew people. The chosen people. The sons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Who would be greatest?
What is this washing of feet? That was a task for servants not for a leader. He who would be greatest among you will be your servant? It made no sense.
His body? His blood? It is only bread and wine yet the words hammer into the minds and lodge there with all of the other things that He said that made no sense.
Now just where is Judas going?
Showing posts with label Maundy Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maundy Thursday. Show all posts
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. I thought it might be a good idea to tell a little about Maundy Thursday since many people aren't familiar with it. I had never heard of it until a few years ago.
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter that celebrates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It commemorates four events: 1) the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus, 2) the symbolic eating of the bread and wine (Holy Eucharist in some churches), 3) Jesus' agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and 4) his betrayal by Judas Iscariot.
The term Maundy Thursday originated in Medieval England. Maundy is derived through Middle English, and Old French mande, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" -- which means "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you." This is taken from John 13:34 after Jesus had washed the disciple's feet and sent Judas on his way.
Church services held on this day typically include washing of feet, The Lord's Supper, and a recounting of the events of the night prior to Jesus being taken by the Sanhedrin. Typically the account in the book of John is used because of its extensive treatment of the events of that night.
Maundy Thursday is commemorated in many different ways in countries throughout the world. The giving of alms to the poor by the English Monarchy on this night is a tradition that dates back to King Edward I. The giving of coins to the poor is common in numerous countries. In the Philippines, the tradition called Visita Iglesia, or "Church visit" is carried out. In this tradition, the faithful visit 14 different churches as a pilgrimage and say the Stations of the Cross, with one station at each church. Many do this during the "hours of adoration" which occur usually between 8pm and Midnight.
Maundy Thursday is an important Christian tradition. It should be a reminder to us all of the price that Jesus paid for our sins.
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter that celebrates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It commemorates four events: 1) the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus, 2) the symbolic eating of the bread and wine (Holy Eucharist in some churches), 3) Jesus' agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and 4) his betrayal by Judas Iscariot.
The term Maundy Thursday originated in Medieval England. Maundy is derived through Middle English, and Old French mande, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" -- which means "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you." This is taken from John 13:34 after Jesus had washed the disciple's feet and sent Judas on his way.
Church services held on this day typically include washing of feet, The Lord's Supper, and a recounting of the events of the night prior to Jesus being taken by the Sanhedrin. Typically the account in the book of John is used because of its extensive treatment of the events of that night.
Maundy Thursday is commemorated in many different ways in countries throughout the world. The giving of alms to the poor by the English Monarchy on this night is a tradition that dates back to King Edward I. The giving of coins to the poor is common in numerous countries. In the Philippines, the tradition called Visita Iglesia, or "Church visit" is carried out. In this tradition, the faithful visit 14 different churches as a pilgrimage and say the Stations of the Cross, with one station at each church. Many do this during the "hours of adoration" which occur usually between 8pm and Midnight.
Maundy Thursday is an important Christian tradition. It should be a reminder to us all of the price that Jesus paid for our sins.
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