Today is Maunday Thursday. Now what is that? Today is the day in which many denominations celebrate the Last Supper, foot washing, and forgiving others. Maundy is a Latin word which means commandment. The commandment in which is associated with this day is found in John 13:34 which reads, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Background is needed before the origin of this day is explained. After the Roman Empire fell around 476 AD, the world was thrown into a time that is called in history as the Dark Ages. During the Dark Ages, there was no educational system, disease ran uncheck with 1/3 of the worlds population dying during the Black Plague, most of the population was slaves, and few lived past the age of 35. The “church” controlled all the kings and queens as well as the general population.
However, in the Roman Catholic Church were a few priests who loved Jesus. They used every available means to teach their people about Jesus, even though they were only allowed to speak in Latin. Thus, came the Holy Week. During Palm Sunday the children were allowed to wave tree branches and re-enact the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. The Last Supper was also re-enacted and explained on Thursday. The priests would take their time and explain each aspect of the Lord’s Supper and its meaning to their people.
Later, some priests would be chastised for their efforts. This did not stop them. After many years, the Roman Catholic Church adopted these practices and added more. What we see today came from some priests who wanted their people to know Jesus.
That is the legend. There is little documentation until 1100 AD. The practice is not full recognized until after 1200 AD.
The early church did not practice the events that we do today. Every Sunday was Resurrection Sunday and the Lord’s Supper. I would say this. If you practice this day, do it for the edification of Jesus. Forgive as Jesus forgave you. Sacrifice as Jesus sacrificed for you. Serve as Jesus sat the example and served the Father. Grow closer to the Lord.