Maundy Thursday at Bethesda
Dear Friends,
This evening begins what is known as the Triduum, or the Three Great Days. Over the next 72 hours we collectively enter into the very heart of the Christian story, our story. I like to think of the services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil as one play in three acts.
And together, they form a unified whole. It is incumbent upon all Christians to attend as many services as possible this week, as we prepare for the great feast of Easter.
On Maundy Thursday, in addition to the brief service of Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m., we offer one Evening Liturgy at 7:00 p.m. This service includes music with the Bethesda Choir, an optional foot washing, and the stripping of the altar. It will be live-streamed through our website.
This service takes its name from the Latin word Mandatum, meaning “commandment.” At the Last Supper, Jesus gives the new commandment, “love one another as I have loved you.”
The foot washing that takes place at this liturgy reminds us of the specificity of love. It also pushes against our natural inclinations. Like Peter, people are often hesitant to have their feet washed; it is uncomfortable and awkward. Yet it is important to allow others to serve us sometimes, as Christ offers to do for his disciples in the Upper Room, and for us to serve others. Parishioners are welcome to have their feet washed during this service but it is certainly not a requirement. On a practical note, it is helpful to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off to this liturgy.
This day also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist (i.e., Holy Communion/The Mass) at the Last Supper in the Upper Room, as Jesus tells his followers to “do this in remembrance of me.” After Communion is celebrated and distributed, what remains, the Reserved Sacrament of bread and wine, is kept for use on Good Friday on the Altar of Repose in the Chapel.
As the altar is stripped bare, we are reminded that Christ’s crucifixion leaves a void in our church and in the world and we experience something of the disciples’ sorrow as their Lord was taken from them.
Following the liturgy, parishioners are welcome to sit and pray for a time in the Chapel to participate in The Watch until midnight, to heed Jesus’ invitation in the Garden of Gethsemane to “watch with me for one hour.” We also offer a live-streamed shot of the Blessed Sacrament on the Chapel altar throughout the night, if you would like to join us in vigil from your home.
Maundy Thursday is one of the most moving liturgies of the year. Especially if you’ve never before experienced it, I invite you to join us as we mark Jesus’ last night among his friends.
In Christ,
Tim+