What is Maundy Thursday?

During Holy Week (the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ) we hear the term Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. In some Christian traditions services are held to commemorate the day. In others, a service that includes a brief service, meal, and foot washing is used to commemorate the day.  But what is Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday? What significance does the day have in the life of Christians around the world?

We often think of Maundy Thursday as the day we remember the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the “maundy” of this day comes from the Latin mandatum, or mandate or command. Historically, the mandate from which Maundy Thursday gets its name is not about Holy Communion but about the “love commandment”.  The disciples were aghast that Jesus was washing their feet. The Gospel of John 13:34-35.

John 13:34-35 Common English Bible “ I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM during Holy Week, the congregations of New Horizons UMC and Grace UMC will gather together for a Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday Soup & Salad Meal and Service. We extend a heartfelt invitation to you to join us. The meal and service will be held at New Horizons UMC located at 4234 Washington Blvd. We look forward to worshiping with you on this solemn day.