Katy’s Conservative Corner wishes our Christian readers a blessed Maundy Thursday.

What follows is a piece by Mandy Barrows of the United Kingdom, explaining how the Anglicans view the Holiday.  (Your blogger is a conservative Anglican.)  This short piece is not meant to offend, but rather to share with both our celebrating and non-celebrating friends.  It is offered for educational purposes only and no money was made with this posting.  Thank you to Ms. Barrows for her information.

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday – also called Holy Thursday, is the beginning of the three day celebration of Easter – the most important time in the year for Christians. This period (‘The Triduum‘) is one big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

The Last Supper

On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples. Christians continue to share bread and wine as part of their worship in church.

The Last Supper was probably a Passover meal – the meal which Jewish people share together to celebrate the time when God delivered Moses and the people from slavery in Egypt.

The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane.

When is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday.

What is the origin of the name Maundy?

The name ‘Maundy‘ is derived from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning a commandment. Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper, commanded:

‘And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.‘ John 13:34

The Washing of Feet

During the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. This act has sometimes been followed literally in history as a good way of reminding rulers that they are here to serve their subjects.

The above information was provided for readers for educational purposes only.

Editor’s Note: Today, some churches wash feet and some don’t.  Many churches/parishes celebrate Christ’s last supper in church services on Maundy Thursday evening.

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