Shillong, March 28: The feast of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday solemnly commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and is the oldest of the observances peculiar to Holy Week. Thursday emerges as a thread of profound significance, weaving together the solemnity of ancient rituals with the timeless message of love and service.

The commemoration of holy oils and penitent reconciliation in Rome were accompanied by various accessory ceremonies that were added due to the proximity of Christian Easter. These practical ceremonies were readily explained and served their purpose effectively.

For Catholics, Maundy Thursday holds deep theological importance. It marks the institution of two of the Church’s most revered sacraments: the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. During the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, Catholic priests consecrate bread and wine, believing in the doctrine of transubstantiation, wherein the substances of bread and wine transform into the body and blood of Christ. The priest would also wash 12 apostles feet to signify his love and to teach humbleness, humility and service to the apostles who would take the church after him.

In Rome everything was carried on in daylight, whereas in India the Eucharist was celebrated after the evening meal, in view of more exact conformity with the circumstances of the Last Supper.

The Last Supper:
The Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist, also known as Communion or the Lord’s Supper. He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28), catholics believe that through the Eucharist, they partake in the body and blood of Christ, symbolizing his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the nourishment of the soul and a love that knows no bounds.

For Catholics, Maundy Thursday marks the establishment of priesthood by Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and servanthood, emphasizing their importance in Christian leadership. He instructed his disciples to continue this practice, symbolizing the significance of service and leadership in the Christian community. By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus prepared them to spread his teachings and establish the Christian church.

But Maundy Thursday is not only a day for Catholics; it is a day for all who claim the name of Christ. From the stately cathedrals of Rome and around the world, christians of every stripe gather to remember the events of that fateful evening—to break bread together, to share in the cup, to wash one another’s feet in a gesture of solidarity and love.

In Protestant churches, the emphasis may be less on sacrament and more on community—a shared meal, a time of prayer, a reflection on the teachings of Jesus and his call to love one another as he has loved us.

In Orthodox tradition, Maundy Thursday—known as “Great Thursday”—is marked by solemn liturgies and a deep sense of reverence for the Eucharist and the sacrifice it represents.

And in evangelical circles, where tradition meets innovation, Maundy Thursday may be observed in myriad ways—through worship services, prayer vigils, or acts of service to the community.

In the end, Maundy Thursday is a day of mystery and meaning, of tradition and transformation. It is a day when the past collides with the present, when the ancient rituals of the Church find new life in the hearts of believers around the world.

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