4.01.2010

Maundy Thursday


Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper"

I was asked what "Maundy" meant in describing today--Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.  And "maundy" was explained like this on Wikipedia 'Most scholars agree that the English word Maundy in that name for the day is derived through Middle English, and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you"), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34) by which Jesus explained to the Apostles the significance of his action of washing their feet. The phrase is used as the antiphon sung during the "Mandatum" ceremony of the washing of the feet, which may be held during Mass or at another time as a separate event, during which a priest or bishop (representing Christ) ceremonially washes the feet of others, typically 12 persons chosen as a cross-section of the community."


So, it's safe to say that it means love one another the way Jesus loved/loves each of us.  A tough thing to do, but I believe He blesses our efforts!