Dear People of St. James’,
It is hard to believe that we just observed the fifth Sunday in Lent. These days of
reflection and repentance have passed quickly and we will soon embark on Holy Week.
One of the special days during this week for me is Maundy Thursday. The term maundy
comes from the Latin word mandatum, from which we obtain the word mandate. The
term typically translates to “commandment.” We remember Jesus’ final commandment
to his followers, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
We gather together to commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, the washing
of the feet of the disciples, and we end the evening with the stripping of the altar.
The Gospel of John reveals that as the disciples dined with Jesus on the final night
together, he washed the disciple’s feet to instill in them an understanding of humility
and a spirit of servanthood. During the Maundy Thursday service, the people of St.
James will follow what Jesus taught by washing feet. Now you may be thinking that the
washing of feet might at first seem a bit awkward or uncomfortable and I might be
inclined to agree with you. I, too have at times been a bit reluctant to rise from the pew
and move forward in order to wash someone’s feet or have my own feet washed. But
then I remember the words of Jesus.
John 13:13-15 NRSV
“13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your
Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s
feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
This beautiful act of love and service from Jesus allows me to embrace, experience, and
remember the act at the Last Supper and the meaning and significance that remains
with us today. The act of washing feet and having feet washed and living into the
example that was set before us. The awkwardness fades away and I am able to
embrace the gift that is before me.
We are also are able to experience the Holy Eucharist in a way that harkens us back to
that evening before the arrest of Jesus. The meal they shared together was a
celebration of the Jewish Passover. We remember his direction that when we come to
the table to receive the bread that has been broken and we drink the wine that has
been poured out, that we do this in remembrance of him.
As the evening ends, the stripping of the altar takes place. All the ornaments, linens,
and paraments are removed. This is an ancient custom of the Roman rite that we
observe during the service. It is the symbolic act of Jesus at the hands of the soldiers,
less than 24-hours prior to his death on the cross.
Maundy Thursday service brings us distinct and meaningful ways to journey through
Holy Week. Each aspect we encounter is a powerful reminder of the love of God. It also
allows us to remember that we are to love one another. And that by following his
commandment it is our way of loving God.
These observances are in line with the pattern of our life in faith. The three days begin
this night and continue to Easter. I encourage you to attend, participate, and embrace
the service. It is my prayer for each of you that in attending you find yourself living into
the love and nature of Christ.
In grace and peace,
Teri Calinao, Seminarian
