About This Night
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14)
On Maundy Thursday the church remembers the last evening Jesus shared with his disciples in the upper room before his arrest and crucifixion. The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum novum, referring to the “new commandment” Jesus taught his disciples (John 13:34). Worship on this holy night features the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and, in some traditions, an act of foot washing or another sign of mutual love and dedication, the Agape Meal, or Love Feast.
The Gathering
Introit, Ave Verum Corpus, W.A. Mozart
Ave, verum corpus
natum de Maria Virgine,
Vere passum immolatum
in Cruce pro homine,
Cujus latus perforatum
unda fluxit (et) sanguine,
Esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine
Hail, true body
born of the Virgin Mary,
Who truly suffered, sacrificed
on the Cross for man,
Whose pierced side overflowed
with water and blood,
Be for us a foretaste
In the test of death.
Opening Words (Psalm 116:12-13)
What shall I return to the Lord for all His bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
What shall we offer for all God’s goodness to us?
Let us lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
Hymn, When Jesus Wept, 194
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, whose covenant with us is never broken, we confess that we fail to fulfill your will. Though you have bound yourself to us, we will not bind ourselves to you. In Jesus Christ you serve us freely, but we refuse your love and withhold ourselves from others. We do not love you fully or love one another as you command. In your mercy, forgive and cleanse us. Lead once again to your table and unite us to Christ, who is the bread of life and the vine from which we grow in peace.
Words of Assurance
Prayer for Illumination
God of Exodus and Resurrection, You have promised to write your law on our hearts. As we hear the reading of Your Word, teach us Your law of love, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we may show forth the light of Christ, in whose name we pray. AMEN.
Epistle Reading, I Corinthians 11:23-26
23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for[a] you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Gospel Reading, Luke 22:14-23
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it[a] until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.[b] 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
Meditation, “New Covenant,” Rev. Vincent Kolb
Anthem, He Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word
Prayers of the People
Loving, listening God, ever-attentive to the voices of those in need, we call on your name so that we might live. Now hear our prayer:
For the church that bears Christ’s name, that the world may know we are his disciples by the love that we have for one another. Lord, hear our prayer.
For leaders of nations and all persons in positions of authority, that their lives may be marked by Christ-like service and love. Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who are oppressed and living in captivity, that they may escape from evil and death to find the land of freedom you have promised. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who are hungry and thirsty this day and for those who have too much, that we may learn to share your generous gifts, O God. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who are dealing with loss or facing death, that the presence of Christ may bless and keep them. Lord, hear our prayer.
Answer us in the day of trouble, O God, so that we may lift up the cup of salvation in the presence of your people, giving thanks for all your goodness to us; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who taught us to pray saying…
Lord’s Prayer, 2019 Vatican Update
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
do not let us fall into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.
Virtual Communion
Hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, 223
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