Maundy Thursday Calendar (2025-2040)
| Year | Day | Date | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thu | April 2, 2026 | 172 days |
| 2027 | Thu | April 8, 2027 | 543 days |
| 2028 | Thu | March 23, 2028 | 893 days |
| 2029 | Thu | March 29, 2029 | 1264 days |
| 2030 | Wed | April 17, 2030 | 1648 days |
| 2031 | Sun | April 13, 2031 | 2009 days |
| 2032 | Thu | April 1, 2032 | 2363 days |
| 2033 | Thu | April 14, 2033 | 2741 days |
| 2034 | Thu | April 6, 2034 | 3098 days |
| 2035 | Thu | March 29, 2035 | 3455 days |
| 2036 | Thu | April 17, 2036 | 3840 days |
| 2037 | Thu | April 2, 2037 | 4190 days |
| 2038 | Wed | April 21, 2038 | 4574 days |
| 2039 | Wed | April 13, 2039 | 4931 days |
| 2040 | Wed | March 28, 2040 | 5281 days |
Maundy Thursday
While many associate Holy Week with Good Friday’s solemnity or Easter Sunday’s joy, Maundy Thursday often goes overlooked—despite its profound message of humility and sacrifice. This day, marking Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, holds rituals and symbols that challenge modern values of power and self-interest. So why has this ancient observance faded from common awareness, and what can we learn from its forgotten traditions?
The Meaning Behind the Name
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” It refers to Jesus’ words after washing his disciples’ feet:
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
This act—a teacher kneeling before his students—was radical then and remains countercultural today. In an age of self-promotion, Maundy Thursday calls us back to service, humility, and sacrificial love.
Two Ancient Rituals That Still Echo Today
1. The Washing of Feet
In many churches, priests and pastors reenact Jesus’ gesture by washing congregants’ feet. This wasn’t just about cleanliness—it was a deliberate reversal of social roles. The master served the servant, upending hierarchies.
Modern Parallel: How often do leaders today prioritize status over service? Maundy Thursday invites us to lead with humility.
2. The Last Supper & Eucharist
The first Communion happened this night, with bread and wine symbolizing Jesus’ body and blood. But beyond the sacrament, this meal was deeply personal—Jesus sharing his final moments with those he loved, even knowing one would betray him.
Modern Parallel: In a world of rushed meals and digital connections, do we make space for meaningful fellowship?
A Lost Tradition: The Royal Maundy Ceremony
In England, a unique custom endures: The Royal Maundy. The monarch distributes specially minted coins to elderly citizens, mirroring Jesus’ call to serve the poor. Historically, kings and queens would even wash the feet of the needy—a tradition dating back to the 4th century.
Why does this matter today?
In an era of growing inequality, this ritual reminds us that true leadership serves the marginalized.
How to Observe Maundy Thursday Today
You don’t need a church service to honor this day. Here are three simple ways:
- Serve Someone Unexpectedly
- Cook a meal for a neighbor.
- Write a letter to someone feeling isolated.
- Reflect on Sacrificial Love
- Read John 13 (the foot-washing passage).
- Ask: Who in my life needs kindness, even if it’s undeserved?
- Share a Meal with Intention
- Host a dinner where phones are banned.
- Discuss: What does it mean to love like Jesus did?
