The celebration of Maundy Thursday is an important part of the Holy Week. In Indonesia, the term “Maundy Thursday” is more commonly used than “Holy Thursday” as it is known in English. The word “white” associates purity and holiness, which is in line with the theological meaning behind the events commemorated on this day. Maundy Thursday not only commemorates the Last Supper, but also marks the beginning of Christ’s passion and emphasizes love and service as the core of Christian life.

Maundy Thursday in the Gospel Narrative

The celebration of Maundy Thursday is deeply rooted in the Gospel narrative and Paul’s writings. The Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) describe the Last Supper as the Jewish Passover Meal (Mark 14:12; Matthew 26:17; Luke 22:7-8), which serves to commemorate the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. In this meal, Jesus introduced new elements: bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood that would be given for the salvation of mankind (Luke 22:19-20).

However, John’s Gospel presents the meal not as part of the Passover, but as a meal before the Passover (John 13:1). John emphasizes that Jesus died at the time the Passover lamb was slain, making Him the Lamb of God sacrificed for the world (John 19:36). The focus of John’s Gospel is not on the explicit institution of the Eucharist, but on the act of foot washing that affirms service as a form of true love (John 13:1-17).

The Prophetic and Symbolic Dimensions of the Last Supper
Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper are not merely ritual symbols, but prophetic acts that reveal divine reality. The broken bread and the shared wine symbolize Jesus’ total self-giving. Paul asserts, in 1 Corinthians 11:26, that at every meal, Christ’s death is proclaimed until His return. Thus, the meal becomes a form of revelation: a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and a hope for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Early Church Practices and the Ethical Dimension
Communion was a common practice in the life of the early church (Acts 2:42, 46). In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul strongly condemned the practice of socially unjust communion. He highlighted the inequality between rich and poor, and emphasized that the Lord's Supper should reflect equality, solidarity, and justice (1 Cor. 11:17-22).

Communion should not stop at a mere ritualistic form. In the light of Christ's self-giving, every participant in the communion is invited to fight for social justice. Thus, communion has an ethical dimension: solidarity in the body of Christ must be manifested in the practice of justice in society.

Footwashing: Symbol of Loving Service
The Gospel of John depicts Jesus’ act of washing the feet of his disciples as the heart of the meaning of communion. In John 13:15, Jesus says, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” Footwashing symbolizes humble service and affirms that Christian love is not just an emotion, but a concrete action.

The liturgical tradition of footwashing on Maundy Thursday that has developed in the Church emphasizes the importance of equal community and reciprocal service. The Christian community is called to be the body of Christ that serves, not to pursue worldly power or hierarchy.

Gratitude, Remembrance, Presence, and Hope
The Holy Communion has four main dimensions: Gratitude (eucharistia): As an expression of gratitude for the gift of life from God through Jesus Christ.

Remembrance (anamnesis): Remembering the Last Supper and the cross of Christ as an act of saving self-giving.

Actual presence: In the communion, Christ is present and gives himself to the congregation. The Supper becomes a space of encounter with the Risen Christ.

Eschatological hope: The Supper is an anticipation of the fullness of the Kingdom of God, and awakens a longing for perfect justice, love, and peace.

Love as Mandate: Maundy Thursday
The term Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin word mandatum, referring to Jesus’ command in John 13:34 for his disciples to love one another. The love that Jesus commands is not sentimental love, but love as commitment and action. This love is universal, crossing social, ethnic, and status boundaries. It is a love that dares to forgive, serve, and sacrifice itself, as Jesus demonstrated on the cross.

Maundy Thursday is a theologically rich and profound moment. It reminds Christians of Christ’s love expressed in the Last Supper, the cross, and service. In this celebration, the people not only remember, but are also renewed in their commitment to live love and justice in the world. Thus, Maundy Thursday is not only a day to celebrate the liturgy, but a time to renew life in love, service, and social solidarity. Maundy Thursday is a call to remember, experience, and pass on the love of Christ in real life—in a world that still longs for true love.

How does the meaning of Maundy Thursday inspire you to love and serve more sincerely in your daily life?