What to do on Maundy Thursday before Easter?

Maundy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian holy day that commemorates the events known as the washing of the feet and the last supper.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which Christians consider the institution of the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Last Supper or Communion. This is described in Luke 22. At the last supper with his disciples, Jesus breaks the bread, saying, “This is my body,” and pours the wine, saying, “This is my blood.” He then asks the disciples, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

What festival did Jesus celebrate?

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The Last Supper is derived from Jesus’ Jewish heritage and his observance of Jewish festivals. The Last Supper was the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus and the disciples eat unleavened bread. Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, when they left so quickly that the bread did not have time to rise.

Why foot washing?

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Maundy Thursday is also associated with foot washing. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and this is described in John 13 as Jesus teaches them to be servants. It is the ultimate act of “servant leadership.” Jesus commands his followers to love and serve. Most Catholic churches will have Mass tonight with a celebration of the Eucharist, which includes the washing of feet.

Maundy Thursday has a dark side

Jesus predicts his death by saying that he will eat no more until the kingdom of God is fulfilled. It also marks an act of betrayal. “One of you will betray me,” says Jesus. Jesus points to Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, as the one who will betray him. Read about Palm Sunday before Easter here.

Ideas for celebrating Maundy Thursday at home

1. Cover up holy pictures and statues at home

During the last weeks of Lent, the Church covers (covers) the holy images of Christ, Our Lady and the saints in a purple cloth. It warns of the seriousness of this solemn time. When we cover up our statues and holy images at home, it robs us of even the comfort of looking at that holy image, allowing us to enter into the experience of Jesus’ death and burial, in which He was taken away from Our Lady and the disciples. This holy tradition also increases anticipation for Easter, writes www.catholiccompany.com.

Tissue paper, cloth napkins or other pieces of cloth can be used. They must not be decorated or transparent.

Use a solid color and preferably purple. If it’s not enough to cover every holy image, just cover the most prominent ones.

2. Wash each other’s feet

It is a beautiful tradition to imitate the Lord’s humility when He washed His disciples’ feet. Some families practice humility by doing it at home, for example, the father of the family may wash the feet of his wife and children. There are other ways you can serve your family members.

Try to do at least one service per person throughout the day. Another option is to name the family (Secret Santa style) and try to serve that family member a little throughout the day.

3. Arrange a special commemorative dinner

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Maundy (Green) Thursday dinner can be made special by dressing up in your best clothes, setting the table with extra care and preparing a super nice dinner. You can adjust the ritual to suit your family, such as cooking roast instead of lamb, using crackers instead of matzah, and drinking juice instead of wine.

The purpose of this special meal is to remember God’s action in the history of salvation and to grow in appreciation and love of the Eucharist.

Even when the meal is interrupted by a spilled drink or giggles over a mispronounced word, it’s a tradition that everyone looks forward to.

4. Be awake with Christ

Put down the phones and turn off the TV and do an hour (or more) of “worship” in your own home. No matter what you do, there is a place and a time to “stay and watch” with the Lord as He asked. If there are children, it is recommended to do this for a shorter time – maybe ten minutes or so. When they are in bed, you can continue to be with Christ. The key here is simply to be with Jesus.