The Bittersweet Paradox

I've never gone to a church before that did this whole Maundy Thursday thing. Every time I hear someone say Maundy Thursday, it makes me think of Tom Hanks on You've Got Mail regaling Meg Ryan with his list of memorable Godfather quotes...I think it has something to do with the accent he imitates as he lists them...anyways...

All joking aside, I'm told this whole Maundy Thursday thing has to do with the institution of the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I'm attending my church's service tonight, and I'm looking forward to it. I hope to gain a new understanding of the significance of communion as well as a renewed commitment to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. It makes me sort of glad that I didn't observe this particular day growing up, because it won't just be old, stuffy tradition to me. I'm excited to see what the Lord reveals tonight.

I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts after you go and to know what it was like.

Well, as you know, I grew up doing it, but it still means a lot every time, and I don't feel stuffy tradition like. This year will be my roughly 26th time to do it (I had to miss once in Law School, which sucked). But it's cool and always different esp. b/c new people come every time so you get something new out of it every year.

BTW, Maundy means "mandate" from Latin -- as in Christ mandated us to do this, just like communion. Plus, it really does humble you, esp. for the very reason that it is uncomfortable and out of the norm for us all. But, remember too, it was not the norm for Jesus to do it, but rather the "servants."

~~Becki