The Bishop's Note is a short weekly message from Bishop Eric Menees where he speaks about an area of Christian belief or practice in furtherance of our mission statement that "we will call and equip laity and clergy to bring people to, and disciple them in, a saving relationship with Jesus Christ." The Bishop's Note is currently going through the parts of the Eucharist service as they appear in the draft 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer.
Maundy Thursday 2019
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Calendar
April 18
Maundy Thursday (Diocesan Office closes at Noon) April 19 Good Friday (Diocesan Office closed) April 21 Easter Sunday April 22 Easter Monday (Diocesan Office closed) April 28 Bishop @ Saint Andrew Mariposa's Final Service April 29-May 1 Clergy Conference Registration Here: https://goo.gl/forms/ySkzH1Z6mXe4GdXy1 May 5 Bishop @ Saint John Petaluma May 11 Jesus the Good Shepherd Henderson's 10th Anniversary May 12 Bishop @ Jesus the Good Shepherd May 19 Bishop @ Saint Mary the Virgin May 26 Bishop @ Saint Augustine May 27 Memorial Day (Diocesan Office closed) May 30 Feast of the Ascension |
Greetings and blessed Maundy Thursday to you!
Today is Thursday in Holy Week – a day that we refer to as Maundy Thursday. That term “Maundy” is an interesting one. Many assume that the word comes from the word “maudlin” meaning “sentimental.” Actually, the word comes from the Latin “Mandatum Novum” meaning “New Commandment,” as in Jesus’ new commandment given in the Gospel according to John. “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have love you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34 The liturgy in many of our congregations will include the washing of the feet which is taken from the Gospel according to John: 13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:1-20 Jesus has gathered with his disciples for the Passover Supper. He followed the tradition of his fathers and his father’s fathers. This was the night when they remember the work of God in rescuing the people of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, when the Angel of Death passed over them.
However, this would not be a “normal” Passover Meal for Jesus and the disciples because this was going to be his last. And Jesus, as he did in his entire ministry used this as an opportunity to teach his disciples. Can you imagine what it must have been like for Jesus? In Jesus’ perfect knowledge he knew what would come this night in the garden. The arrest, the trial, the crucifixion all stood ahead of him. And how does Jesus respond in the face of what had to be tremendous pressure? WITH A PATIENT AND CONTINUING LOVE. “Having loved his own who were in the world he loved them to the end.” John 13:1 How amazing to think of the depth of Jesus’ love! To know that the Devil had already worked in Judas Iscariot. To know that Peter would betray him. To know that the disciples would abandon him. Jesus’ love of sinners is the very heart of the gospel. Because of that, no one should be afraid to come to Jesus. People will say, “How can he forgive or love someone as awful as me?” Answer: Because He is God! That same love of Jesus is not temporal but enduring: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37 I pray you all a blessed Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday! Bishop Menees |
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