Devotion - Maundy Thursday

The odd name for this day (Maundy) means "command."  On this day, Jesus not only observed Passover with his disciples - an observance that created the opportunity for his passing of the bread and cup - but he also gives them a command.  This command is the central mark of what it means to be his disciple.

"Love, as I have loved you."

Right away we see the challenge in that.  "How are we to love as deeply as Jesus loves us?"  It is a valid concern.  His love lead him to his death.

Perhaps we shy away from the command, knowing how firmly we cling to life.  Maybe we feel defeated and condemned even before we begin.  In such a state of mind, we quickly jump to other parts of this day's message.  We focus on the sacrifice which atones for our own lack of faithfulness. 

On this, one of the last remaining days of Lent, it would aid us in our discipleship to remember the command of this day.  We will (as a part of today's liturgy) hear the absolution of our sins that has been withheld since Ash Wednesday.  We will (as a part of today's liturgy) experience the power of Jesus' love in the washing of feel.  We will (as a part of today's liturgy) receive the bread and wine of salvation.  But we might also look at the depth of our love; we might reflect on what it means for us to love one another.