Missing Maundy Thursday. A Note From Jan.

Don’t recall exactly when I first heard of “Maundy Thursday,” but it was not when I was a little child. Ignorant of more liturgical churches, I thought it was an odd way of saying “Monday.” Then wondered if it was something that was supposed to happen “Monday-Thursday,” as in four days of something. I’ve since learned it’s sometimes called, “Holy Thursday.” And Maundy  comes from the Latin “mandatum” or command, referring to Jesus’ words in John:  “A new command I give you: love one another.   As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus served.   Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.   Jesus loved.

Haven’t been to many “Holy Week” services in my life. The first time I went, I was visiting Heather and Matt in Philadelphia when they were in medical school. They  attended an Episcopal church where Matt sang in the choir. When they invited me to go with them to the Maundy Thursday service, I went mostly to be with them and hear Matt sing. Nothing holy, worshipful or expectant in my attitude.  I knew only that it had something to do with Easter.

I know better now, so feel badly that I missed the service tonight at our church.   Not out of guilt as much as a true sense of loss.  Some days I feel like I’m still clueless about what really matters on any given day. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.