Maundy Thursday

Holy (or Maundy) Thursday is the solemn observation of the Last Supper, of the heartbreaking betrayal of Judas, of the torment in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It is a time of prayer and meditation, and we personally will observe a simplified Seder this evening in remembrance. This year, the selected Gospel is Luke, and we will also be re-reading and meditating/praying the Passion this evening.

This evening's observances are the beginning of the Easter Triduum, consisting of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.

The Second Vatican Council, in restoring the Triduum to it's rightful place in the Liturgical Calendar urged us to remember: "Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life. Therefore the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire liturgical year." (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, # 18)
 
Here are a few links for those who may wish to read more:

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/thurs.php

http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/story.php?id=36022

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1059