Maundy Thursday (Year A)

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John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (TIB[1]):
It was before the Feast of Passover, and Jesus realized that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to Abba God. He had always loved his own in this world, but now he showed how perfect this love was.

2The Devil had already convinced Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. So during supper, 3Jesus — knowing that God had put all things into his own hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God — 4rose from the table, took off his clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5He then poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and dry them with the towel that was around his waist.

6When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Rabbi, you’re not going to wash my feet, are you?”

7Jesus answered, “You don’t realize what I am doing right now, but later you’ll understand.”

8Peter replied, “You’ll never wash my feet!” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

9Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Then, Rabbi, not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!”

10Jesus said, “Any who have taken a bath are clean all over and only need to wash their feet — and you’re clean, though not every one of you.” 11For Jesus knew who was to betray him. That is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12After washing their feet, Jesus put his clothes back on and returned to the table. He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13You call me “Teacher,” and “Sovereign” — and rightly, for so I am. 14If I, then — your Teacher and Sovereign — have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. 15I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16“The truth of the matter is, no subordinate is greater than the superior; no messenger outranks the sender. 17Once you know all these things, you’ll be blessed if you put them into practice.

31bJesus said, “Now is the Chosen One glorified and God is glorified as well. 32If God has been glorified, God will in turn glorify the Chosen One and will do so very soon. 33My little children, I won’t be with you much longer. You’ll look for me, but what I said to the Temple authorities, I say to  you: where I am going, you cannot come. 34I give you a new commandment: Love one another. And you’re to love one another the way I have loved you. 35This is how all will know that you’re my disciples: that you truly love one another.”

Other readings:
Exodus 12.1-4, 5-10, 11-14; Psalm 116.1-2, 12-19; 1 Corinthians 11.23-26

The Gathering Prayer:
Infinite, intimate God; this night you kneel before your friends and wash our feet. Bound together in your love, trembling, we drink your cup and watch. Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.
The New Zealand Book of Common Prayer (adapted)



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In the Love of the Three in One,

Br. Jack+, LC

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[1] Scripture quotations marked (TIB) are taken from The Inclusive Bible. Copyright © 2007 by Priests for Equality. Used by permission.

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