“The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which, in English, simply means ‘mandate.’ In the upper room (John 13–17), Jesus gave His disciples the new commandment (i.e., the new mandate) after washing their feet.” - Ligonier
“… ‘maundy’ comes from the Latin word for ‘mandate,’ or ‘command.’ At this first celebration of Communion, Jesus gave His disciples ‘a new command,’ that they should love and serve each other…. washed their feet.” - Breakpoint
Today (the day upon which I write this essay) is Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow will be Good Friday and this Sunday is Easter.
In the liturgical calendar, each of these days has a special significance. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, Good Friday the crucifixion, and Easter Sunday the resurrection. Christians have observed these dates for centuries, along with others such as Palm Sunday (commemorating the Triumphal Entry), Annunciation (commemorating Gabriel’s visit to Mary), and Christmas.
