Maundy Thursday

Today is traditionally (at least in countries where the Roman Catholic calendar is followed) as Maundy Thursday.  Supposedly, tonight was the night that Jesus and his disciples enjoyed their Last Supper.

I say supposedly, not because I question whether or not the story is true (I believe it is!), but because how you measure time will determine whether or not today is the same date.

Let’s say I was born on Thursday, March 25, 1971 (which is true), and that it was the 4th Thursday of that month (which it was).  When should I celebrate my birthday?  On the 25th, or the 4th Thursday in March?  If I observe the 25th, then my birthday falls on a different day each year.  Observing the other way would be an attempt to celebrate that exact moment in time that I was born.

Though it might be silly, this is exactly what has happened with the Christian calendar.  The Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Orthodox Church, have tried to memorialize the exact time of the passion story, as opposed to the conventional date of the Hebrew calendar.  Then most of us Protestants just follow suit. 

Is there anything wrong with celebrating your birthday or the passion of Christ in this way?  I don’t believe so (that it is inherently wrong).  But why divorce this very meaningful event from its established Jewish roots?

Understanding that (a) Christ’s passion is connected to the Jewish passover story, that (b) Sabbath rest is at the center of his redemptive work, and that (c) his resurrection is connected with the Jewish Firstfruits offering is essential in understanding the significance of the gospel. 

Sound like a crazy claim?  Stay tuned for the rest of the story…