WHAT IS MAUNDY THURSDAY?
As recorded in John’s gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). This is why services on this night generally include the washing of feet or other acts of physical care as an integral part of the celebration.
The Thursday before Good Friday is observed as Maundy Thursday. It is the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with his disciples. The celebration marks his commandment to the disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you.” It also commemorates the Last Supper, which is the final meal shared by Jesus and his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem, the occasion of the institution of the Eucharist.
