"Maundy" means "command." I am typically not comfortable speaking of "commands" with regard to Christian faith. I agree with St. Paul that in Christ we have been set free from the Law and its insistence that we do certain things in order to be in line for God's favor.
Normally. But not today.
Today, I stand firmly on the wisdom of 2100 years of teaching by Jesus' followers that the "command" to "love one another, as (Christ) has loved us" must be followed. This is the command Jesus gives and it is the only mark essential among his followers.
Jesus didn't love those who loved him in return. Jesus didn't wait to show love after it had become clear that his love would not be in vain. Jesus did not limit his expressions of love to those who are attractive. He loved. And he commands his followers to love.
We hear this command and we repeat this command on the day before we acknowledge Jesus' death. Maundy Thursday is followed by Good Friday. This is Jesus' last words to us. The dying words of our Teacher are to love, as he has loved us.
We are about to bring our Lenten season to an end. Today is the day to consider where all this has brought us. Now is the time to hear Jesus' command and to compare his love for us with our love for others.
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