Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod)
Burton, Michigan
Welcome, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
All of our mid-week worship services during the season of Lent have been organized under God's invitation to us: “Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster” (Joel 2:13b).
Today is Holy Thursday, often and perhaps better known as Maundy Thursday. But what does this word "Maundy" mean, from where did this tradition come? Maundy originates from the Latin word mandatum, often translated as a "commandment". From mandatum we also get "mandate" or rule. In the context of Holy Week and Jesus' passion, we see Jesus giving two new commandments to His disciples on this day.
First, this comes to mind in the context of John 13, where Jesus demonstrates selfless love and service by washing His disciples' feet. After exposing Judas as His betrayer and Judas' departure, Jesus gives us a new mandatum in verse 34: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." Second, as Jesus established the sacrament of holy communion, twice He commanded them (and us!) "This do, in remembrance of Me." In both of these events, which have been celebrated in Christ's Church throughout the centuries, we hear Jesus giving these new commands to His people.
Click on the link below and celebrate Maundy Thursday, which is most certainly holy (set apart) from all other Thursdays! While we did not wash anyone's feet, we certainly celebrated and shared the amazing Feast, the blessed sacrament of Holy Communion. The theme for our service and sermon is: Return to the Table. We will unpack this idea: None of us deserve a seat at Jesus' table, but we certainly belong there!
Pastor Mark
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
3222 South Genesee Road Burton, Michigan 48519
Pastor Mark Matheny phone: 810.744.1188
pastormarkplb@gmail.com
