It's Maundy Thursday: What Does That Mean?

It's Holy Week in the Christian calendar, and April 5 is Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday. But what does it mean and how is it honored by followers of the Christian faith?

The  explains that the word “maundy” comes from the Latin "mandatum" meaning mandate, or command. According to the gospels, it was on this night that Jesus gave one of his most powerful commandments: "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other" (John 13:34). The following day, Jesus would go to the cross for crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday recognizes the night Jesus met with the twelve disciples for the "last supper," and conducted the first communion. Jesus broke break and shared wine, saying “this is my body . . . this is my blood the token of God’s new covenant to save you–an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you" (Luke 22:19-20). 

Holy Thursday is also regarded as the night Jesus predicted his betrayal by disciple Judas Iscariot.

Celebrations may include an adaptation of the Passover Seder, ritual washing of feet, mass and communion.

Maundy Thursday church services in Martinez:

• 6 p.m. supper at
• 7 p.m. service at  (details of the here)
• 7 p.m. service at
• The will be a part of the 7 p.m. service at the

Do you know of a Maundy Thursday church service in Martinez? Let us know in the comments or add it to the community calendar.