April 1, 2021
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV
Maundy Thursday derives its name from this verse. Maundy is the Latin word for “commandment”. In most churches, the Eve of Good Friday is focused on the Last Supper or the foot-washing ceremony, but without an understanding of loving one another as Christ sacrificially loved us, serving and celebrating are meaningless. In contrast, when we show the love of God to those who celebrate communion with us (even those who annoy us) and to those we serve (even those who are ungrateful), the world will know that we are his disciples.
Father God, grow in us a desire to love others as your Son has loved us—particularly those we find annoying or detest. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
Leave a Reply