Maundy Thursday

It is common for the bishop and clergy to gather on this day for the renewal of ordination vows and the blessing of the oils (New Zealand Prayer Book pages 382, 746).

Normally in the evening, the community gathers for the liturgy which is celebrated only once in the day. This is the beginning of the sacred three days of the celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In one sense our worship continues from now until the Easter celebration. There is no dismissal after this service, nor after the Good Friday celebration – it is one continuous time of watching and celebrating the mystery of our salvation.

The Jewish day begins at sundown, uniting the events of Maundy Thursday with the death of Jesus the next afternoon.

This liturgy commemorates a) the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the last supper, b) the new commandment to love symbolised in the washing of feet, and c) the betrayal and beginning of Christ’s passion and death. Sometimes this service has followed medieval and baroque practices of celebrating in a festive manner (with white vestments, Glory to God in the highest, and the ringing of bells). These notes follow a Passiontide style of celebration.

Furthermore, Passover emphases are reserved for the Great Vigil of Easter, which is the Passover Feast of Christians, and it is preferable that a Seder or agape meal not replace the Maundy Thursday liturgy. Festal meals are not appropriate during Holy Week. Such festivities take place after the Lenten fast is completed by the Great Vigil. In any case, if an agape meal is combined with the liturgy, it is important that there be a time of keeping watch, rather than having the service end in the chatter of a supper party.

The washing of feet has had a long association with the baptismal liturgy. Those to be baptised at Easter are beginning this feet first! Having one’s feet washed is not restricted to baptism candidates, of course, but is open to all.

Liturgical colour: Red.

The Gathering of the Community: Glory to God in the highest is not used. When the washing of feet is observed, the prayers of penitence may be omitted.
The alternative with white as the liturgical colour and Gloria is a more Baroque development which anticipates Easter.

The Proclamation (Readings: New Zealand page 586 or page 700)

Or the following:

Exodus 12:1-4,(5-10),11-14

Psalm 116:1-2,11-18

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17,31b-35 (Revised Common Lectionary)

When observed, the washing of feet appropriately follows the sermon. This may be introduced by these or other appropriate words.

Fellow servants of Christ,
on this night Jesus set an example for the disciples
by washing their feet, an act of humble service.
Therefore, I invite you to come forward.
As your feet are washed
remember that strength and growth in God’s reign
come by lowly service such as this.

During the washing of feet suitable anthems, songs, or a psalm (for example Psalm 40) may be sung. The service continues with the Prayers of the People.

An example of Prayers of the People for Maundy Thursday

On this holy night we dine together as the body of Christ, and at the table commit ourselves to love and serve one another. On this holy night, then, let us pray for the church and all humankind.

God our provider, you feed us with the bread of life and lift for us the cup of salvation, on this night Jesus gave us this holy feast:

may all who gather at your table receive a foretaste of the eternal banquet.