Maundy Thursday
Months ago, when The Community of St. Anselm hosted a teacher at the Palace every week, we welcomed an endearingly prickly, quirky theologian who taught us about the Eucharist. Perhaps teaching a bit above our collective understanding of Communion (we were just expecting an overview of different traditions: high, low, and so on,) she peppered us with thrilling questions that challenged our (or at least my) view of the topic. One of her big questions was what did doing something “in remembrance” or “in the remembrance” mean? Who was remembering and what was being remembered? What did it entail?
In the midst of orchestrating the Community’s Maundy Thursday services, I recalled one of her points, about the Eucharist being a re-membering of the Body of Christ, because all the disparate members of the Body come back together. This idea stuck with me — I even quoted it in the “liturgy” I wrote for the night — but I also realized afterwards, that this particular night of eating, serving, and praying together was a re-membering of our Community.
Up until Thursday morning, we had three members in isolation, because of some lasting symptoms. They had made it through the requisite seven days without a fever, cough, or any new symptoms, but the lack of smell and taste persisted. Blessedly, a physician loosely connected with the Community was able to advise our Dean that this symptom was not enough to keep anyone other-wise healthy in their room. The extra care, distancing, and awareness that the Community is still practicing would be plenty good, she assured us. So, the Agape Meal — which I had been planning for a week and cooking for three days already — not only commemorated the Last Supper and the Lord’s Supper, but our first supper all together.
The team working on Maundy Thursday, which included our Chaplain, an Episcopal priest from the States, and members from India, Uganda, and Rwanda, wanted to incorporate many of the Western Church’s traditions around this first day of the Triddum, but also make it our own. As I shared in “Intercessions in Isolation,” we are using the Palace’s Guard Room for prayer services and large celebrations, so that we can have plenty of space for distancing, and follow COE instructions not to use public or private chapels during quarantine. We kept all of the activities of Thursday evening in this one space, and changed its mood and features to suggest Jesus’ journey through the events of this day and night.
We began with long tables set up in a square, around a circular buffet table. Though I had already removed the Prayer Stations, the “Home Altar” remained, with its Crucifix shrouded in black cloth. We truly feasted on an abundant spread of Middle Eastern foods, all of them made with ingredients Roman-era Jewish families would have recognized. Since I did not borrow from the Moravian/Methodist traditions of a Lovefeast, we called this our Agape Meal, and filled this time with readings from Scripture, prayers, and even three hymns, which we sang in between courses, already full and happy.
After clearing away the tables and packing up the leftovers, we set up four foot-washing stations and proceeded to take part in this often unnerving but ancient tradition. After a few minutes, we became aware of the beauty of this act, and appreciated the members and leaders who took great care in washing and drying the feet of another.
Following more chanting and reading, we then moved into the third and fourth movements of the evening: Stripping the Altar and the Watch. As I sang the ancient Thomist hymn of the Eucharist, “Pange Lingua,” or “Now, my tongue, the mystery telling,” the rest of the Community cleared the foot washing stations and reverently stripped the room of its crosses, large purple candles, and objects of meditation. All that remained were the materials for the Watch, including circles of tiny tea candles which barely lit the room. We heard the Gethsemane passage in near-darkness and fled, as it were, in silence. Three members remained, and throughout the night, from 9 PM to 6 AM, we came to pray and read the Psalms for an hour at a time.
Now, I cannot take credit for anyone coming out of isolation, but after Holy Week, many of us looked back on this first meal all together as an important part of an unexpected, but ultimately beautiful season. Likewise, the Watch, which was a challenge we rose to meet, became a favorite experience for the Community as a whole. At our Agape Meal, I joked to the Community member nearest me that planning this series of services so carefully and thoroughly made me think I should have been a theatre director — she responded that an army general seemed more fitting — but I really did love developing the liturgy, exploring different traditions, planning the menu, designing the space, writing the script, and choosing the music.
I am not one to insist on spiritual silver linings in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, but I appreciate the creativity, freedom, and responsibility we found during this Holy Week. I hope you enjoy journeying back through the events of last Thursday, but whatever you do, don’t get stuck in the Triddum. Easter has definitely come, y’all.
In this Resurrection season, peace! Alleluia! – JFL
Agape Meal
Gathering Words and Collect
Tonight, we commemorate Maundy Thursday by joining Jesus and his disciples in an upper room, by sharing a meal, singing hymns, and washing one another’s feet. We will also follow ancient traditions of the church, stripping our altar and this space and spending the night, watching and keeping prayerful vigil. Tonight, we celebrate Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, and though we cannot partake in that Sacrament, we still gather to seek communion with one another, with our families and parishes, with centuries of Christians, and with Christ, our host and honored guest.
Welcome to this table, prepared by human hands, may it be for us a holy place, sanctified by the love and hospitality shown, one to another.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Moment of silence.
Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that whenever we receive it, we may do so thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life. Likewise, may your Son inspire us and your Spirit be present with us as we gather around in this upper room, around this common table, to take part in both happy festival and humble service. In the name of the One who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Adapted from the Collect for Maundy Thursday, Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
We Greet and Hear the Gospel
Jesus Christ, Bread of Life, those who come to you will not hunger.
Jesus Christ, Risen Lord, those who come to you will not thirst.
Taizé Chant
On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
— Matthew 26: 17-29
Jesus Christ, Bread of Life, those who come to you will not hunger.
Jesus Christ, Risen Lord, those who come to you will not thirst.
Taizé Chant
Gather around, for the table is spread,
welcome the food and rest!
Wide is our circle, with Christ at the head,
He is the honoured guest.
Learn of his love, grow in his grace,
pray for the peace he gives;
here at his meal, here in this place,
know that his spirit lives!
Once he was known
in the breaking of bread,
shared with a chosen few;
multitudes gathered
and by him were fed,
so he will feed us too.
Lyrics by Jean Holloway, read as a blessing before the Agape Meal
Dinner of Middle-Eastern Dishes
Spicy, Crispy Chick Peas
Garlic Flatbread
Cucumber and Feta Salad with Mustard Seed Vinaigrette
Rosemary White Beans
Stewed Onions and Lentils
Lemon-Pepper White Fish
Melon, Yogurt, Nuts, and Dried Fruit
In-between Dinner and Desert
As the Disciples sang a hymn at that Last Supper with their friend and teacher, we continue our worship in psalm and song.
I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
How shall I repay the Lord *
for all the good things he has done for me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord *
is the death of his servants.
O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the Lord’s house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
— Portions of Psalm 116, appointed for this day and read by two members, alternating verses
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
Three Hymns, which members from the UK and India led, as we sat around our common table
Closing Words and Prayer
How many meals did Jesus share with his disciples? With his friends? The wedding feast for a young couple in Cana, three years’ worth of Passovers and harvest celebrations, bread and fish with so many people on a grassy hillside, a morning’s catch beside the Sea of Galilee, water drawn from a well. How many meals have we shared with Him ever since? Potluck dinners served by our Sunday school teachers, family dinners full of love and generosity, simple meals offered with thanksgiving, and of course, the Eucharist, shared in tiny plastic cups and silver-lined chalices, with flaky wafers and fresh baked bread. We remember all of those suppers this night, and we remember Jesus’s commandments: to bring together his body, to re-member him, in bread and wine, to serve one another in humility and hospitality, and most of all, to love one another.
No matter the setting, the supper, the service, or the surroundings, may we remember this man, this Christ, this sacrificial lamb and shepherd, this Lord of All and Son of God, each time we break bread and look forward, ever hopeful, to the fullest communion we will share, at the great wedding feast of our King. Amen.
Foot Washing
In three Gospels, the main event of this final Passover meal is the institution of the Eucharist, but in John’s Gospel, Jesus establishes a relationship and a commandment. Both are sacramental, in that they open us up and bring us in closer communion with God — and with one another. After we hear John’s account of Jesus’ last night amongst his companions, we will take part in a service of foot-washing. For some Christians, this is a sacrament and one of the central symbols of their faith, but even if that is not our tradition, it can still be a poignant moment of humility, service, and love.
After the Gospel, we will split up into households. One person can begin by sitting in the chair and removing their shoes. Another person can then pour a little water over their feet and pat them dry. Everyone else can remain standing. When that first person’s feet are washed and dry, they can stand up and that first washer will sit. The next person kneels down and washes their partner’s feet, and so on. The last person to wash will be the first one who sat in the chair. Traditionally, one would kiss the feet that you have just washed, but this year, you might just remain kneeling for a few seconds and say a prayer for this brother, sister, mother, father, neighbor, or friend before you.
Ubi Caritas, et amor, ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
Where true charity is, and love, where charity is, God is there.
Taizé Chant
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Later, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
— John 13: 1-17, 31-35
Ubi Caritas, et amor, ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
Where true charity is, and love, where charity is, God is there.
Taizé Chant
Stripping of the Altar & Watch
In many traditions, following the Eucharist service on Maundy Thursday, the clergy strip the altar of its candles, paraments, and vessels. Some churches even remove their kneelers and any other sort of adornment. This evening, we will strip our “Home Altar,” leaving only these circles and candles and a few resources for the Watch. As we strip this space we have shared throughout Holy Week, we will all keep silence, save for Thomas Aquinas’ ancient hymn of the Eucharist, “Pange Lingua,” and when we are finished, we return to this circle.
Now my tongue, this mystery telling.
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
— Matthew 26: 30-35
Now, my tongue, the mystery telling
of the glorious body sing,
and the blood, all price excelling,
which the Gentiles’ Lord and King,
in a Virgin’s womb once dwelling,
shed for this world’s ransoming.Given for us, and condescending
to be born for us below,
he, with us in converse blending,
dwelt the seed of truth to sow,
till he closed with wondrous ending
his most patient life of woe.That last night, at supper lying,
‘mid the Twelve, his chosen band,
Jesus, with the law complying,
keeps the feast its rites demand;
then, more precious food supplying,
gives himself with his own hand.Word-made-flesh, true bread he maketh
by his word his flesh to be,
wine his blood; which whoso taketh
must from carnal thoughts be free:
faith alone, though sight forsaketh,
shows true hearts the mystery.Therefore we, before him bending,
this great sacrament revere:
types and shadows have their ending,
for the newer rite is here;
faith, our outward sense befriending,
makes our inward vision clear.Glory let us give and blessing
“Pange Lingua,” St. Thomas Aquinas
to the Father and the Son,
honour, might, and praise addressing,
while eternal ages run;
ever too his love confessing,
who, from both, with both is One. Amen.
This night, we will stay with Christ in the Garden, praying, reading the Psalms, and watching for the dawning of Good Friday. As Shannon finishes our final passage from Matthew’s Gospel, we will leave in silence. The first pair of watchers will remain, and we will return throughout the night, reading through the Psalms.
May we keep our lamps trimmed and burning, for, see, the hour is at hand.
Stay with me, remain here with me;
Watch and prayer, watch and pray.
Taizé Chant
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
— Matthew 26: 36-56
WE EXIT IN SILENCE AND THE WATCH BEGINS
Views of the Last Supper, Foot Washing, and Prayer in the Garden; many of them were on display throughout the Agape Meal on Maundy Thursday.
Franklin of Anselm: Updates from Living in God's Time 