MUNDAY THURSDAY
John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Recommended Reading: Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-65, John 13:1-18:27
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day that commemorates the Last Supper. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.” At the Last Supper, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: to love one another as he had loved them. Many things happened at this meal, and afterwards: the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ arrest and questioning before the high priest, Peter’s denial of Jesus, and Jesus being mocked and beaten. Beginning today, the intensity of events begins to build, culminating in the glory of the Resurrection on Sunday. However, do not rush too quickly to the joy of Easter. Use these next days and hours to enter fully into the experience of Christ’s passion and death.
Read and pray, meditate and think about these events. spending time in silence on Good Friday from noon until 3:00 p.m. (the time when Christ was on the cross), being still and maintaining a sense of expectancy, until you can shout with Mary and the disciples: “He is risen!” on Easter Sunday.
