THE THREE DAYS (The Triduum)
Maundy Thursday 11 am & 7 pm
Good Friday 11 am & 7 pm
Holy Saturday/Easter Eve 7 pm
Easter Day 8:30 am & 10:30 am
Today is Maundy Thursday, the beginning of what Christians call The Three Days. “Wait,” you are saying, “aren’t there four days? Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday?” You're right! But it helps to remember that these holy days are counted beginning with sundown on Thursday evening and ending with sundown on Sunday evening. During this time Christians contemplate the story of the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
There are many traditions associated with the Three Days. Some Christians fast from Thursday evening until the Easter Vigil. Sometimes the church bells and church organ are silenced after the communion portion of the Maundy Thursday service, and are not played again until the resurrection is announced in the middle of the Easter Vigil. Some churches hold a prayer vigil in the sanctuary, around the clock, for the entire three days.
I invite you to deepen your experience of the joy of Easter morning by joining us for worship during these three days. May this be a time to quiet your mind, to focus your prayers, and to draw closer to God as you contemplate the liberating and life-changing story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
What you can expect at today’s Maundy Thursday worship services:
- Readings about the Last Supper and how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples
- Foot-washing (2 stations; you will first be washed and then wash the feet of the next in line)
- Communion
- At 7 pm, all will help to “strip the altar”, preparing the worship space for the solemnity of Good Friday
A prayer for Maundy Thursday:
Everlasting God, your Son Jesus Christ girded himself with a towel and washed his disciples’ feet; grant us the will to be the servant of others as he was servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, yet lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
