TODAY is Maundy Thursday, the day of the last meal Jesus ate with his friends before being arrested, tried and crucified.
‘Maundy’, from the Latin mandatum, means ‘commandment’.
Jesus said, in John chapter 13:
‘Let me give you a new command: Love one another.
‘In the same way I loved you, love one another.
‘This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.’
For me, Maundy Thursday is such a meaningful day.
Rich, complex themes guide our worship: humble Christian service expressed through the reenactment of Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet; Holy Communion particularly special because it celebrates the institution of the Eucharist; church decoration stripped away and lights out, symbolising the darkness as Jesus leaves; and a silent watch in the dark to focus on Christ’s loving obedience in the agony of Gethsemane.
And on Friday – the crucifixion, when members of Churches Together in Wokingham process with a cross to bear witness before returning to their own churches for sombre devotions and contemplation.
Holy Saturday passes quietly, busy with cleaning and beautifying as we prepare for the greatest festival of all – the Easter Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Then the bells and voices ring out glorious Alleluias:
Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Mary Cassidy is a parishioner at St Paul’s, Wokingham.
Sunday services take place at St. Paul’s Church at 9:30am
For information, visit: spauls.co.uk
