It is that time of year when we throw out words and phrases like we know what they mean -fully expecting others to understand what we are saying. For instance, I am preparing right now for a Maundy Thursday Service. Maundy not Monday! But you know what I mean - right?
Maundy Thursday is actually the traditional name given to this special day in England. The special day in question is the celebration of the Last Supper on Thursday of Holy Week. (oops - Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday.)
We (American Christians) take the name for this day from the traditional English name. We can thank our forefathers for this name as well. Perhaps church and state were not so separated after all.
The actual word maundy is derived through an old middle english word and a french word - mande - which comes from the Latin word - mandatum (or mandate). This is the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos."
Or as you more commonly know it: "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you" John 13:34. This is the statement Jesus makes explaining to the Disciples the significance of His action of washing their feet.
So as protestants, we take our cues from the latin Roman Catholic Mass of Mandatum and derive a worship service of Maundy Thursday.
So where will you be this Maundy Thursday?
No comments:
Post a Comment