23/03/2024

Maundy Thursday 2024

A new commandment, I give to you,” Jesus said: “to love one another as I have loved you.” (Jn 13,34).

Maundy, in case you wondered, first used around 1250–1300,  comes from the Old French mande, in turn from the Latin mandātum, which means “mandate or command” in English. 

“I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.” Practical service.

Feet washing was active and passive. Jesus was active, his apostles and family were passive.

Passive. Jesus The Christ loves us. We need to avoid Peter’s arrogance. To live life to the full – the life Jesus came to offer us – we need to accept – even embrace - God’s help.

There is much on offer. God comes to us in the beauty of nature, in our friends, in the sacrament of reconciliation, in Holy Communion. In prayer, why not use what is called ‘Lectio Divina’ and  meditate – ponder – the gospel scenes? Get to know The One with  whom you hope to spend eternity.

Recognise God’s presence in people who help you. And thank God for doctor, dentist, hairdresser – even bus and train drivers, even Amazon deliveries.

Active. Given your age – and abilities – ask yourself, ‘how can I serve, how can I help people in my communities?’ – including, of course, your family.

Who? When? How? What do they need now across their PIES, their physical, intellectual emotional and spiritual dimensions of their lives – not when they were younger?

As you need short homilies, I shall now stop talking.