Today is Maundy Thursday.

It’s not as well-known as Good Friday, Easter morning, or even Palm Sunday.

Some churches hold special services; some don’t. Either way, it’s a very significant day.

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Therefore, today is a day to renew our commitment to this new commandment. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet; he taught them and cared for them; he even laid down his life for them.

It’s a hostile world, isn’t it? There are days when you can almost feel the frustration and tension in the air. When it feels overwhelming, picture Jesus on his knees, washing his students’ feet. He washed the feet of Peter, John, and even Judas.

After her failed marriage, Princess Diana was quoted as saying: “The greatest disease in the world is the disease of being unloved.”

Love heals. And we are its hands.

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Notes:

—Maundy Thursday. Our service at Westminster in Barrie is in-person only. It is a 40-minute Communion service at 7 pm and includes prayer, Scripture, and singing by candlelight. 

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.