Back to photostream

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of the Holy Week (Thursday before Easter). It was the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples, sharing a meal with them which we call the Last Supper.

 

In those days it was usual for a servant to wash the guest's feet on arrival, however, on this occasion there was no servant on hand and none of the disciples volunteered to do the menial task. Instead, Jesus got up and washed his disciples feet, giving them a lesson in humility and service.

 

In some churches priests carry out a ceremonial washing of the feet of twelve men on Maunday Thursday as a commemoration of Christ's humble act.

 

The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum" meaning "command". It refers to the command given by Jesus at the Last Supper, that his disciples should love one another.

 

Stained glass window at St. Joseph's Church

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

East Africa

677 views
3 faves
6 comments
Uploaded on April 13, 2006
Taken on November 6, 2005