Maundy Thursday is observed by
Christians on the Thursday before Easter. "Holy Thursday," as it is
also commonly known, marks the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles
prior to his betrayal, trial and crucifixion as portrayed in the Christian
gospels.
While the Palm Sunday and Easter
observances of Holy Week are generally more joyful, Maundy Thursday observances
take on a more solemn tone and focus on two primary rituals that are portrayed
in the biblical accounts of the Last Supper.
The name "Maundy
Thursday" is derived from the Latin word mandatum meaning
"commandment." The primary commandment of Jesus' message is found in
the story of the Last Supper when Jesus humbles himself to wash the feet of his
apostles prior to the traditional Passover meal. He then commands them to
"Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). In observance of
this commandment, the act of feet-washing is often performed by clergy as part
of Maundy Thursday church services.
The other important Christian
ritual to come out of the Last Supper story is that of the Eucharist or Holy
Communion. Described in all three of the synoptic gospels and expounded upon in
Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, Christians take communion to replicate
Jesus' giving of bread and wine to his apostles during their final meal
together. While different denominations may maintain different specific
interpretations of the ritual, many incorporate a special communion into the
Maundy Thursday liturgy.
Despite the fact that there has
been some debate over the actual dating of the Last Supper within Holy Week,
the traditional identification as a Passover meal has had a strong influence on
the way that many Christians mark Maundy Thursday. It is not uncommon for
smaller groups or entire congregations to celebrate the occasion with a
traditional Passover Seder instead of or in addition to church services and
communion. The Maundy Thursday Seder has been used by many as an occasion to
remember and celebrate the origins of Christianity in Judaism and the strong
ties that the two religions maintain.
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