The word 'Maundy' comes from a Latin word "mandatum" which means "commands." Maundy Thursday reminds us of the two great commands that our Lord Jesus has given to His disciples-the command to love one another, and the command to partake the bread and share the cup. 
In this Lenten season we have heard our Lord's call to intensify our struggle against sin, death and the devil- all that keeps us away from loving God and each other. This is the struggle to which we were committed at Baptism; God's forgiveness and the power of is Spirit to amend our lives continue with us because of His love for us in Jesus, our Saviour.
It is, however, in the Holy Communion that the members of Christ's body participate most intimately in His love. Remembering our Lord's last supper with His disciples, we eat the bread and we share the cup of this meal. Together we receive the Lord's gift of Himself and participate in that new covenant which makes us one in Him. In Holy Communion we also receive the promise of the heavenly feast when Christ comes again, where we will love God and each other perfectly at last!
