It’s ‘Maundy Thursday’ – but then you knew that, didn’t you? It is a day marked in very different ways across the spectrum of Christian tradition but at the heart of each is the celebration of the first Communion, enacted by Jesus in his last supper with the disciples before his death. It was then that Jesus, according to John’s Gospel, washed the feet of the 12 and many churches mark the day by holding a feet-washing ceremony. A feature of Roman Catholic churches is the stripping of the altar which then remains bare until Easter Sunday and it is from this tradition that we get the word ‘maundy’ – ‘mandatum novum’ – The Latin for ‘new covenant’.

In the UK a tradition which began with Edward I is still re-enacted – the distributing of alms to the poor by the monarch. Specially minted coins will be given by the Queen to selected people and the total amount given is based on the monarch’s age. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition the colour of cloth used in services is changed from a sombre hue for Lent to more vibrant colours. Here in nonconformist Wales many chapels will have a special preaching festival – thus emphasising the importance given to the Word and its proclamation.

Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of all these traditions there is no doubting where the emphasis will be today and for the remainder of Easter – it will be on Jesus: betrayed, crucified, resurrected; saviour, Lord and King.

Have a blessed Easter. This blog will return after the holiday.