Maundy Thursday: A Call to Love and Serve
Maundy Thursday marks a significant moment in the Christian calendar, commemorating the night Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room before His arrest. The word Maundy comes from the Latin “mandatum,” meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ commandment given that night: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). This evening is remembered for two powerful acts — the institution of the Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet — both rich with meaning for our lives today.
The Last Supper, shared on this night, is the foundation of our practice of Holy Communion. In breaking bread and sharing the cup, Jesus offered Himself fully, demonstrating God’s boundless love and the promise of new life. Through this meal, we are reminded of Christ’s presence with us and His invitation to come to the table in unity and grace. Each time we gather for Communion, we are not only remembering that night — we are participating in it, receiving the nourishment we need to embody God’s love in the world.
Equally significant is Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet — a radical display of humility and servant leadership. In John 13:14-15, Jesus tells His followers, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” This simple yet profound act calls us to embrace humility, compassion, and a willingness to serve others, especially those in need. Maundy Thursday invites us to reflect: How can we embody this servant-hearted love in our daily lives?
Today, we can live out the themes of Maundy Thursday by extending compassion in tangible ways — offering a listening ear, standing with those facing injustice, or caring for those on society’s margins. Just as Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His friends, we are called to acts of kindness, mercy, and reconciliation. As we reflect on this holy night, may we take Jesus’ commandment to heart — loving one another with the same selfless, sacrificial love that He has shown us.
-Deacon Deb Clifford