Maundy Thursday

“Then he took a loaf of 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 he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’
Luke 22:19-22, NRSV

Today, Maundy Thursday, we approach the end of Lent, with our final preparations in anticipation of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. It may be tempting to sail right past Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and leap into the celebration of Easter, but without the Lord’s suffering and death that we commemorate on these two days, there is no resurrection. For eternal life given on Easter, we must first live through the trauma of suffering and death.

The Liturgy for Maundy Thursday is the first in what is referred to as the Triduum. These are the services for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter which includes the celebration of the resurrection with first Eucharist of Easter. The three services are tied together “marking the betrayal and crucifixion, deathly repose in the tomb and resurrection,”[i] of Jesus. The liturgy for Maundy Thursday begins our symbolic walk with Jesus through this sacred journey of the Triduum. This is where we enter that walk through the darkness of betrayal of Jesus. The liturgy this evening will end with the stripping of the altar, removing all adornment, color and light; and removing any remaining consecrated bread and wine from the sacrament of the Eucharist, symbolizing the removal of Jesus from the people. We will leave in silence, reflecting on His absence.

It is so important to resist the temptation to skip directly to Easter. I invite you to attend and participate in the liturgies for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, so that you will be prepared for the glorious celebration of the resurrection on Easter morning. When you have been there while the altar is stripped on Thursday, then again entered the stark emptiness of the church on Good Friday, the celebration of the resurrection on Easter morning is more glorious. Having experienced the desolation and darkness along the way, the distinction of the celebration is even more magnificent.

Collect 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.
"The Book of Common Prayer," p. 274.

[i] Farwell, "This is the Night," pg. 39.
The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson
Associate for Pastoral Care and Women's Ministries
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