Maundy Thursday

The Thursday in Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. The name comes from the Latin phrase mandatum novum, “new commandment,” taken from John 13:34. The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.” Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.”

The washing of feet was a menial act of hospitality in the Hebrew Scriptures (see Genesis 18:4, 19:2). It was often performed for guests by a servant or the wife of the host.

The Gospel of John (13:1-17) records that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus urged the disciples to follow his example of generous and humble service. They should wash one another’s feet, as their feet had been washed by Jesus, their Lord and Teacher.

Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was a lived expression of his teaching that “whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). The foot-washing also expressed Jesus’ “new commandment” for his disciples to love one another, as he had loved them (John 13:34). The washing of feet continued in the early Christian church. The requirements for enrollment on the list of widows includes the expectation that a widow would have “washed the saints’ feet” (1 Timothy 4:9-10). The ceremonial washing of feet is mentioned by Augustine of Hippo (354-430).

• 12:00 pm, In-person Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with foot washing (simpler service without music)
• 7:00 pm, In-person and on-line Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with foot washing (service with music)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Church of the Redeemer, 6210 Northeast 181st Street, Kenmore, United States