around the world in marking Maundy Thursday April 5 – variously called
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.
This is the beginning of the three-day celebration of Easter –
considered by Christians among the most important time they have.
It marks the Last Supper Jesus Christ had with the Apostles.
The word "Maundy," derived from the Latin word for "command," refers
to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that
they should love and serve one another.
Jesus, adored by Christians as their Savior who ransomed them from
original sin, was crucified on a Friday.
Today, most Christians celebrate this with a service in church called
Holy Communion. Through receiving the bread and wine they come into
union with Jesus.
This union, according to religious scholars, links Christians with God
and their fellow Christians both now and in the past.
Since 1956, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated in Roman Catholic
churches with a morning liturgy for the consecration of the holy oils
for the coming year and an evening liturgy in commemoration of the
institution of the Eucharist, with a general communion.
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the Thursday of Passion Week, one
day before Good Friday, when Catholics and Aglipayans throughout the
country re-enact in afternoon masses Jesus' Seven Last Words.
With the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, also called
Communion.
Some Christian churches observe a special Communion service on Maundy
Thursday in memory of Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples.
Another part of the celebration of Maundy Thursday is re-enacted when
Jesus washed the disciples' feet as an act of humility and service, in
the process setting an example that man should love and serve one
another in humility.
Some have asked whether or not to observe Maundy Thursday.
Theologians say the Bible neither commands nor forbids it. But some
say it is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and Jesus'
sacrifice on man's behalf.
Some have said it is a good thing to remember the Lord's example of humility.
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