Today is Maundy Thursday which begins the "Paschal (or Holy) Triduum" for the western Church. "Triduum" simply means, "Three Days." These three days are a season within two seasons. In many ways they are the three days. The holiest time in our life as Christians around which the rest of our church calendar year is built. They bridge Passiontide with Eastertide. They are the heart of the Gospel.
Beginning the morning of Maundy Thursday, the prayerbook has us read Psalm 41, Daniel 9 and John 13:1-20.
In Daniel 9, the prophet confesses the sins of his people and asks for mercy. The Archangel Gabriel reveals to Daniel part of the future. Years later the "anointed one" will bring atonement and everlasting righteousness.
Maundy Thursday Evening we read Psalms 142-143 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-22. In this part of the Epistle St. Paul reminds the Church to flee idolatry. He then turns to focus on how we partake in and are united by the reception of the one body of Christ in the one cup which we bless and the one bread that we break we are one body. (vs 16-27).
The second lesson for both morning and evening on Maundy Thursday is John 13 which tells of Jesus’ washing his disciples feet and gives them a new commandment - that they love one another (Jn 13:34-35).
So we see at least three themes this Maundy Thursday:
God’s response and atonement for sin,
Our participation in one body in Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and
Jesus’ new commandment to love one another.
These are all different points to meditate on as the Triduum begins. I find the Passion of Jesus overwhelming in it’s entirety, but breaking the story apart helps us understand the significance.
We see a common theme - Charity (self-giving love). Charity of the Father in promise, of the Son in the act of atonement, and of the Holy Spirit in the love of each Christian connected to each other and to God.
As I meditate today, the hymn that runs though my head is a lesser known one - but one I grew up singing - entitled, O Love How Deep, How Broad, How Wide - particularly verse 4. (You can listen to it below)
For us to wicked hands betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
of us he gave up his dying breath. (The Hymnal 1982 #448)
Whether you are a parishioner, former member or friend of St. Anselm, I invite you to read the Triduum readings listed for these three days on page 744 in the 2019 BCP. Let them form you this week wherever you are and let your response of worship in Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday be responses to all God has done for you in His love. I know you will be blessed.
