And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed! ‘ “
–Luke 22:19-22
Maundy Thursday is the fifth day of Holy Week and commemorates the institution of the Lord’s Supper. The word “Maundy” originates from the Latin word mandatum meaning “command.” In the Latin Vulgate, John 13:34 renders as “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” (“I give you a new commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you”).
Christ Church NYC will be holding its Maundy Thursday service at 6:00 pm on March 29th. (Directions here.) All are welcome.
A Prayer for Maundy Thursday: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thoughts for Reflection:
“He left His Father’s throne above, /So free, so infinite His grace; / Emptied Himself of all but love, / And bled for Adam’s helpless race: / ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; /For, O my God, it found out me.
– Charles Wesley
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
– Colossians 1:19–20
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
-Isaiah 53:4-6
Song of Reflection: Before the Throne of God Above