Maundy Thursday

It’s Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper, the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy communion, the institution of the priesthood. It is the day that Jesus gave us the new commandment; “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another (John 13:34)”. Unlike the pomp and circumstance of Palm Sunday, it is the day leading up to the crucifixion. So in many ways it is a somber day knowing that soon, Jesus would be crucified.On this day Jesus also washed the feet of His disciples. In washing their feet Jesus was teaching the role of a servant; service and charity. Jesus said I came to serve not to be served and to give my life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). He understood His purpose and during His short time on earth, He was showing others what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are to emulate Him.I by no means find it ironic that our world is experiencing a dramatic shift in our daily activities. Things are not as they use to be and they may never be again. I cannot remember a time when churches were closed on one of the most Significant days of the Christian faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day that He paid the ultimate price so that we could have eternal life.The men and women on the front lines performing essential tasks are modeling the behavior of Christ. They are not running from the threat of sickness or death, no, in fact, some have willingly come from other cities and states because for them saving the lives of others is the most important thing. And for some, it has cost them their life.We should not grumble nor complain because we are experiencing some minor inconveniences. In fact, what we should be doing is looking for ways that we too can offer sacrifice. We may not have the skills necessary to work in the hospitals or in testing sites but we can pick up the phone and check on each other, maybe purchase groceries for someone who is unable to go to the grocery store or who doesn’t have the monies to feed their families, we can donate protective equipment, order food for a hospital staff, check on our neighbors, donate blood, something… It’s called sacrifice and that is exactly what Jesus did. It is a Holy day, a somber day, but a day for us to see just how loved and blessed we really are. Never forget, someone died for you.