Maundy Maundy... The Mamas and the Papas?

Growing up I thought today was called "Monday Thursday". Now I am aware of the difference between Monday and Maundy, but still had no idea why we called it Maundy Thursday-- what the Church around the world is celebrating today. Let's take a look!

The word "maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum", meaning "commandment". It dates back to as far as the Council of Carthage and St. Augustine as the Catholic church fasted, partook of Communion, and washed each other's feet. This is a day that the universal Church remembers Jesus' commandment stated in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

As it is Holy Week, we highlight the death and resurrection more than any other time of the year. There is no greater demonstration of God's love than in sending His Son to the cross to die for each one of us, and He commands that we love others with the same fervency that He has for us. 

Jesus also showed this to His disciples on that Thursday night thousands of years ago by washing their feet. During these times, feet were the dirtiest, filthiest part of the body -- as they would wear sandals and walk on dirt roads in the warmth of the climate -- you can imagine. It was the role of the servant to wash his or her master's guests feet as they came, but Jesus took this upon Himself. 

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." -- Philippians 2:4-8

This is a convicting thought to me. Christ displayed such love in His humility, and I'm asked to do the same. However, the words, "which is yours in Christ Jesus" are such a comfort! It's not about me trying to be humble and trying to love those around me. But it's Christ in me that transforms this mindset and lifestyle as He makes me more like Himself. This is the work of sanctification in our lives: Christ in us. Day by day, as we walk in fellowship and communion with Him through the Word and prayer, He is constantly molding us to be more like Himself. 

So today, as we celebrate the commandment (Is it kind of strange to celebrate a commandment?) that Jesus gave so many Thursdays ago, let us recall that it's Christ in us that gives us the ability to love like He did and does. Look to Him for that strength, and be ready to be amazed when He does that work in your life.