Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the portrayal of Jesus last night before his death.
The scriptural accounts of this time are found in Mt 26:17-56, Mk 14:12-52, Lk 22:7-53, and Jn 13-18:11. There is also a reference to the last supper in I Cor 11:23-26.
There are four parts to the Maundy Thursday observance: the foot washing, the institution of The Lord’s Supper, the stripping of the altar, and the procession and watch at the altar of repose.
It’s easy to view these actions in their separateness. It is better to think of Maundy Thursday as one act in four scenes of a greater drama. The table is set for the climax of God’s work in Jesus on Good Friday. The foot washing defines Jesus servant hood and humility. The Last Supper shows forth His preperation for His priestly passion. The stripping of the altar in the church is a stage in transitioning to the darkness of Good Friday. The watch at the Altar of Repose allows people to participate in the experience at The Garden of Gethsemane where there still is, “light in the darkness.” Then the watch is over and all is dark.
The theological themes woven through all of this are to many to speak of in this post. They are summed up in the ‘great high priestly prayer,” of Jesus in Jn 17. You may wish to pray this prayer at the Altar of Repose yourself.
Remember that Easter cannot stand alone. It only makes sense if entered into though the events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
