2 weeks Ago By N/A (Manila Bulletin)
Today is Maundy Thursday. Although it is often overshadowed by the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday, Maundy Thursday holds a powerful and transformative message that remains relevant today. This day, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, is not just a liturgical milestone—it is a call to action.
At the heart of Maundy Thursday lies a theme that is both timeless and urgent: love in action. The name “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “commandment.” It refers to the new commandment Jesus gave to His disciples on this night: “Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This was not a suggestion or a philosophical idea. It was a direct and active call to embody love—not merely through words, but through deeds.
Two powerful events that happened on Maundy Thursday illustrate what this love looks like in practice. First is the washing of the disciples’ feet. In an act that shocked His followers, Jesus took on the role of a servant, humbling Himself to clean the dirt from their feet.
This gesture defied social norms and redefined leadership as service. It was a tangible expression of love — intimate, and deeply human. Second is the institution of the Eucharist.
During the meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine, telling His disciples that these elements were His body and blood, given for them. This act of sharing prefigured His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It was a love that was selfless, redemptive, and poured out for others.
In our world today, where division, selfishness, and indifference often dominate the headlines, Maundy Thursday’s message of love in action is more vital than ever. It challenges us to live beyond our comfort zones and to serve with humility, even when it is inconvenient or costly. How can we embody this love today? We can start by practicing everyday servanthood.
This means looking for opportunities to help others without seeking recognition — whether it’s caring for an elderly neighbor, mentoring a struggling student, or offering a listening ear to someone who feels sad. We can also engage in radical forgiveness. Just as Jesus broke bread even with Judas, who would betray Him, we too are called to extend grace to those who hurt us.
Love in action means choosing reconciliation over revenge on those who have betrayed or hurt us. We can perform more acts of love in community. The Last Supper was a shared meal — a moment of connection in a world often fragmented.
Hosting meals, volunteering at shelters, and simply showing up for people creates spaces where love becomes real. Finally, we must remember that love is not a feeling — it is a choice made daily. It often shows up in small acts: a kind word, a shared meal, a sacrifice made in secret.
These are the modern-day foot-washings, the quiet Eucharists we offer to one another. On Maundy Thursday, we are not just invited to remember. We are invited to participate.
To wash, to serve, to forgive, to love — not in theory, but in practice. It is, truly, a call to love in action..
