About Maundy Thursday

The Thursday in Holy Week is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter.  It comes from the Latin mandatum novum, “new commandment,” from John 13:34.  The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.”  The washing of feet was a menial act of hospitality in the Old Testament (see Genesis 18:4, 19:12).  It was often performed for guests by a servant or the wife of the host.  Jesus urged the disciples to follow his example of generous and humble service.  His ‘washing of the disciples feet’ was a lived expression of his teaching and expressed the new commandment for his disciples to love one another, as he had loved them.

Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.” The Book of Common Prayer Liturgy for Maundy Thursday provides for celebration of the eucharist and a ceremony of the washing of feet which follows the gospel and homily.  There is also provision for the consecration of the bread and wine for administering Holy Communion from the reserved sacrament on Good Friday.  Following this, the altar is stripped and all decorative furnishings are removed from the church.

Because the Maundy Thursday liturgy is one part in the ongoing liturgy of the Triduum over the next three days, tonight’s service has no real ending.  The people should leave in silence after the altar is stripped & cleansed, the cross is draped in black, and the lights are dimmed.

The Holy Eucharist:  Rite Two

Entrance Hymn 171 Go to dark Gethsemane

1. Go to dark Gethsemane,
ye that feel the tempter’s power;
your Redeemer’s conflict see,
watch with him one bitter hour;
turn not from his griefs away,
learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

2. Follow to the judgment hall;
view the Lord of life arraigned;
O the wormwood and gall!
O the pangs his souls sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;
learn of him to bear the cross.

3. Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;
there, adoring at his feet,
mark the miracle of time,
God’s own sacrifice complete;
“It is finished!” hear him cry;
learn of Jesus Christ to die.

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People His mercy endures for ever.

The Celebrant then says

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Celebrant Lord, have mercy.

People Christ, have mercy.

Celebrant Lord, have mercy.

The Collect of the Day

The Celebrant says to the people

The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Lessons

The First Reading Exodus 12: 1-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance. 

Psalm 116:1, 10-17 (read responsively)

I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

How shall I repay the Lord *
for all the good things he has done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord *
is the death of his servants.

O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people,

In the courts of the Lord’s house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

The Second Reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 

Sequence Hymn 480                                         When Jesus left his Father’s throne

1 When Jesus left his Father’s throne,
he chose an humble birth;
like us, unhonoured and unknown,
he came to dwell on earth.
Like him, may we be found below
in wisdom’s paths of peace;
like him in grace and knowledge grow
as years and strength increase.

2 Sweet were his words, and kind his look,
when mothers round him pressed;
their infants in his arms he took,
and on his bosom blessed.
Safe from the world’s alluring harms,
beneath his watchful eye,
thus in the circle of his arms,
may we forever lie.

3 When Jesus into Zion rode,
the children sang around;
for joy they plucked the palms and strowed
their garments on the ground.
Hosanna our glad voices raise,
hosanna to our King!
Should we forget our Saviour’s praise,
the stones themselves would sing.

Then, all standing, the Celebrant reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

People          Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 

Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.  If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ 

After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon
The Rev. Scott Williams

Invitation to Washing of Feet

The Celebrant addresses the people saying

Fellow servants of our Lord Jesus Christ: On the night before his death, Jesus set an example for his disciples by washing their feet, an act of humble service.  He taught that strength and growth in the kingdom of God come not by power, authority, or even miracle, but by such lowly service, and he commanded them to follow his example by washing one another’s feet.

Therefore I invite you who share in the royal priesthood of Christ to come forward, that we may follow the example of our Master, remembering the new commandment that he gave this night “Love one another as I have loved you.  By this shall the world know that you are my disciples: That you have love for one another.”

Music during foot washing   
“Brother let me be your servant”

Brother, Let Me Be Your Servant
Let Me Be As Christ To You
Pray That I May Have The Grace
To Let You Be My Servant, Too

We Are Pilgrims On A Journey
We Are Brothers On The Road
We Are Here To Help Each Other
Walk The Mile And Bear The Load

I Will Hold The Christ Light For You
In The Night-Time Of Your Fear
I Will Hold My Hand Out To You
Speak The Peace You Long To Hear

I Will Weep When You Are Weeping
When You Laugh I’ll Laugh With You
I Will Share Your Joy And Sorrow
Till We’ve Seen This Journey Through

When We Sing To God In Heaven
We Shall Find Such Harmony
Born Of All We’ve Known Together
Of Christ’s Love And Agony

Brother, Let Me Be Your Servant
Let Me Be As Christ To You
Pray That I May Have The Grace
To Let You Be My Servant, Too

The Washing of Feet

All who desire are encouraged to come forward for the washing of feet.  You are invited to have your feet washed and then to wash the feet of the one who comes after you.

The Washing of the feet ends with this prayer said by the celebrant. 

Almighty Father, whose Son Jesus Christ taught us that what we do for the least of our brethren, we do also for him; give us the will to be the servant of others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

The Prayers of the People  

The Leader and People pray responsively.  The people’s responses are printed in bold.

Presider:  When the hour had come for Christ to be glorified, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, giving us his example of servanthood, and he fed us with bread and wine so that we might participate in his death and resurrection:  Loving God, be present with us as we bring into your compassionate heart all of the suffering and need of the world, saying:  We love you, O God, because you have heard the voice of our supplication. 

Litanist:  Gracious One, through Christ you gave the disciples the new commandment to love one another:  Empower the Church with your Spirit, that we may walk in the way of the cross with such courage and compassion that everyone will know that we are Christ’s disciples.  We love you, O God, because you have heard the voice of our supplication.

Holy, Immortal One, you absorbed the injustice, evil and violence of every power and principality in Christ’s glorification upon the cross:  Empower those who work for reconciliation and peace, that everyone exercising a position of authority in the world may share in your work of healing and reunion.  We love you, O God, because you have heard the voice of our supplication.

Giver of Eternal Life, we ask your compassionate presence to be active in every place where people suffer or mourn or die.  We love you, O God, because you have heard the voice of our supplication.

Healer of bodies and souls, we bring our prayers of intercession and supplication for those we love, especially ___.   Precious in your sight, O God, is the death of your servants. We commend to Christ’s cross and resurrection those who have died, especially ___.    We love you, O God, because you have heard the voice of our supplication.

Presider:  In Jesus the divine life has been revealed to us as servant and sacrifice:  Gracious God, hear our prayers on behalf of your whole creation, that you may receive our offering as you received Christ’s death for us, consecrating everything into the life of the Spirit, for you live and reign, One God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

Confession of Sin and Absolution

Celebrant:  Let us confess our sins to God

Silence may be kept.  Minister and People

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives.  We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created.  We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will.  Amen.

The Priest then says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen.

The Peace

The Celebrant says to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

 Offertory of the Eucharist                         
“In Remembrance of me” 

The Great Thanksgiving                                                       

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Celebrant It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, 

all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.

Celebrant: Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.

Therefore joining with Angels and Archangels and with the faithful of every generation, we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:

Sanctus S124

Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full, full of your glory.  Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest.  

The Celebrant continues

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of the universe and giver of life.  You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful stewards  and show forth your bountiful grace.  But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, and rejected your love.  Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people.  Through Abraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery, sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation.  Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born into the human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory.  Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.

On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body which is given for you.  Do this for the remembrance of me.”  As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”  Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People say together                                                                              

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may they be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts may be filled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’s Body in the world.  Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with St. Peter and all your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever.  AMEN.

Celebrant:

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Lord’s Prayer                                                                         Prayer Book 364

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever.  Amen. 

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then the Celebrant says

Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People Therefore let us keep the feast.  

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately delivers it to the people. 

Communion Music   

     Hymn 325   Let us break bread together

1 Let us break bread together on our knees;
let us break bread together on our knees;

[Refrain:]
when I fall on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.

2 Let us drink wine together on our knees;
let us drink wine together on our knees; (Refrain)

3 Let us praise God together on our knees;
let us praise God together on our knees; (Refrain)

Communion Note: Wherever you are on your journey of faith you are welcome at this table.  The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom.  And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.  To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever.  Amen.

Solemn Prayer over the People

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

The Stripping and Cleansing of the Altar

After the altar and sanctuary are stripped, the cross draped in black, and the lights are dimmed, people may leave when they desire.