Thursday, April 02, 2015

Maundy Thursday traditions

A lovely time in our women's group at Zac's today. We're now officially called More Than Rubies, by the way.

As it was Maundy Thursday we washed each other's feet and shared unleavened bread and wine (cranberry juice).



John 13:1-17 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Every year on Maundy Thursday the Queen presents money to elderly people in recognition of their service to the community. The number of people and coins relates to the Queen's age so, for example, when she was 60 she gave 60 pence worth of sterling silver coins to 60 men and 60 women.

The Queen hands to each person a red purse and a white purse. The white purse contains specially minted Maundy money equivalent to the Queen's age in years.

The Maundy custom of washing feet by the Monarch was carried out until 1689. You should, however, note that the feet were first washed by Yeoman of the Laundry before the monarch had to wash them and kiss them! Food and clothing were also handed out to the poor.

The name 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning a commandment. Jesus, at the Last Supper, commanded his disciples: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Incidentally, if you know me and are familiar with a typical Tuesday night in Zac's, or if you have read on my blog about my attempts to lead it, then you will understand the magnitude of what I am about to say.

It is easier for me to make myself heard when leading a Tuesday study (approx 25 men and women) than to do so in More Than Rubies (10 women).

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