Maundy Thursday

MARK JUDE MUGERWA
Markjudemugerwa**********
MAUNDY THURSDAY

What is Maundy Thursday? What do we commemorate on Maundy Thursday? How is it celebrated? Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday or Sheer Thursday, the Thursday before Easter is observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. It initiates the paschal Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is believed to be the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with His Disciples. Maundy is derived from the Latin word mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words “I give you a new commandment.” Jesus’ commandment to the disciples was to love one another as He loved them.
Maundy Thursday is the day when Jesus Christ established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood. Christ establishes priesthood for his disciples, which is distinct from the “priesthood of all believers.” Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, who would become the first priests.
White or Gold in honour of the Holy Eucharist is the liturgical colour of the day. This day is a solemnity, and the Gloria is sung at Mass. Two services occur on Maundy Thursday: The Chrism Mass and the Mass of the Lord’s supper. In the first Chrism-oils used in sacraments including baptisms and confirmations and other oils are blessed and distributed to parishes. The Mass of the Lord’s supper is the second service of the day. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. Christ would fulfill His role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by His final sacrifice. The last supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples in Jerusalem during this Passover meal. It is believed those who eat of Christ’s flesh and blood shall have eternal life.
The central observance of Maundy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last supper at Mass. This event is celebrated at every mass, as part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday. The establishment of the priesthood is reenacted too with the priest washing the feet of several parishioners. The congregation is warmly welcome to participate in the washing of the feet.
At the end of the Holy Thursday Mass, the body of Christ is brought in procession to the lower church and placed on a temporary “Altar of Repose” away from the sanctuary. It is customary for the faithful to process together to this altar and spend time in quiet prayer and adoration.
MARK JUDE MUGERWA
Markjudemugerwa**********

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