Maundy Thursday - Reflection by Dean Sue

Seiger Koder​

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day in the life of the Church when we thank God for the Last Supper, known to many of us as the Eucharist. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all recount the Last Supper; John’s Gospel, however, tells the story of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. The story from John’s Gospel is a story of humility, a story of love, a story of servanthood. As the disciples gather Jesus takes a towel wraps it around himself and pours water over tired and dirty feet. He kneels before his followers, washes their feet, and as their eyes meet, a moment of love passes between them.
 
As I reflect on the reading from John’s Gospel I am struck by the parallels in our own time. As we know from Scripture Jesus moves from The Last Supper, The Washing of the Feet  to his eventual death. A cruel death which has been seen as a sacrifice made for us, that we might live.

As I walk around St James’ Garden I reflect on the sacrifice that so many people are making in our hospitals and in our care homes in order that people may live. I am sure there are moments when people’s hands and feet are washed, when that simple act of cleaning brings a moment of love to the human race. Those in the caring profession offer love and are making a sacrifice.
 
As I continue to think, I read the grave stone of Catherine Wilkinson, known to many as Kitty Wilkinson. It reads:
Catherine Wilkinson died 11 November 1860. Indefatigable and self-denying. She was the widow’s friend; the support of the orphan; the fearless and unwearied, nurse of the sick; the originator of baths and wash houses for the poor.
 
Kitty worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor and sick and today many nurses, care-workers and doctors follow in her footstep, as they battle on the front line in our hospitals and homes with the Covid 19 virus.
 
Today on this Maundy Thursday and everyday we pray for them, we give thanks for their selflessness and their sacrifice. Today, on this Maundy Thursday, when we remember that Jesus washed his disciples feet, I ask you that every-time you wash your hands or wash your feet you give thanks for the NHS and all care professionals, for their sacrifice of love and please pray for their safety.
 
Loving God,
As we remember Jesus’ command to love on another
We pray for our NHS and for all care-workers.
Give them strength and courage to face the future.
Help them to know and feel supported by you at this difficult time.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord who lived and died for us. Amen.

Dean Sue
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While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.

And check out the following calendar of services this Holy Week as well (Links will be provided once they are made available):
 
Holy Week Reflections and Services 
 
Maundy Thursday:
Service for Maundy Thursday

Good Friday:
Joint Good Friday Service between the two Cathedrals
The Passion Gospel read by Precentors from Cathedrals around the Country
Performance of Crucifixus by  Cathedral Choir, sung remotely
 
Holy Saturday:
Vigil Prayers and Night Prayer by National Cathedral Precentors
 
Easter Sunday:             
10.30am Service for Easter Day, Bishop Paul preaching