Today is Maundy Thursday - recognized in religious circles as "Maunday Thursday". It is the day that Christ celebrated the "Last Supper", and washed the feet of his servants.
Years ago, when our church celebrated Holy Week, there was a special service, (on Maundy Thursday), where our Minister took a pottery bowl and cloth, and washed the feet of every person in attendance. It was a very humbling service.
This year Maundy Thursday falls on 9 April 2009.
What is the origin of the name Maundy?
The name 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning a commandment. Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper, commanded:
'And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.' John 15:12
The washing of feet
During the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples' feet. This act has sometimes been followed literally in history as a good way of reminding rulers that they are here to serve their subjects.