Maundy Thursday

I don't have much of a narrative for these pictures of the Maundy Thursday service. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, when the sacrament of communion was instituted, and when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It is really one of the most moving services of the year -- right up there with the candlelight Christmas Eve service, in my opinion. Even if you don't participate in the foot washing, it is a surprisingly spiritual experience. Enough said about that.

I was struck before the service by the "still life" aspect of the bowls and towels set in place for the foot washing:


Reading the Gospel:


Let the washing begin:







At the end of the service, as the lights are gradually lowered, comes the Stripping of the Altar. The shroud over the crucifix is changed from white to black.