Maundy Thursday commemorates the origin of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. The term comes from the Latin mandatum novum or 'new commandment'. John 13:34
Three events occur as part of this service: The Washing of the Feet, the last celebration of the Holy Eucharist until the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, and the Stripping of the Altar.
This ceremony reminds us of the menial act of service Christ performed at the Last Supper, washing His disciples' feet. John 13: 1-17. It also reminds is that all of us are servants to each other for Christ's sake because "whoever wishes to be first among you must be a servant of all" Mark 10:43-44. Further, it expresses Jesus' new commandment to "love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34
After the Holy Eucharist, the congregation reverently prepares the church for Good Friday. In remembrance of Christ's crucifixion, all altar decorations are removed, any portable decorations in the church are taken out, the reserved host is consumed, and the sanctus light which symbolizes the presence of Christ in the sanctuary is extinguished.
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