Maundy Thursday

On this Holy Thursday, we enter the Triduum, the three-day mystery of our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection, which continues through Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter.

The word Maundy comes from the Latin, mandatum, or command, which refers to the instructions Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper.

Tonight, we remember the Last Supper, the betrayal of our Lord, and his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, where he interceded for his disciples. We also set aside the Sacrament for Good Friday, placing it on the altar of repose, where a watch is kept till dark.

In the Washing of Feet, we are drawn into the humility of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

This act recalls our baptism, calls us to repentance, and points us toward the renewal of our baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil on Saturday.