The Christian Church's observance of Holy Week (which immediately precedes Easter) focuses on a different theme each day. Today is called Maundy Thursday. "Maundy" is the Latin word for commandment and the commandment being referred to is the one that Jesus gave his disciples when, after a meal together, (probably their last), he washed their feet--an ultimate act of servanthood in that culture. He said to them, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (John 13)
Was he literally telling them they were to go out and wash people's feet? No. He was using his action as a metaphor. Its message was simple: Our life's purpose (and therefore, meaning) will be discovered through the act of being available to each other--in helping meet each other's needs. Simple as that.
This being Holy Week, this maundy or commandment implies that to live this way is act-ually holy. That is, it's a way of making ourselves available to God through treating all of God's creation with reverence--one person, one situation, one experience at a time.
Lord,
Thank you for giving me such a simple way of understanding my life's purpose. Thank you for all the people who will make themselves available to You and to me today in order to make my life good. And, most of all, thank you for giving me opportunities to go and do likewise. Simple as that. Amen.
"...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
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