Maundy Thursday is from the Latin word mandatum meaning commandment, referring to Jesus’ words at his Last Supper. “I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you.” This is what the Savior did for us. He loved us even to giving his life. That love lays a claim on us, that we love each other. Jesus knew that the love he gave us would spread and grow, for love like his is infectious.

There is a story that I used to tell in most of my Maundy Thursday sermons. I told it in a blog here seven years ago. It’s time to tell it again.

When one person acts lovingly toward another, love spreads and grows. Years ago I was at an installation service presided over by a Bishop who though a devoted pastor, had the personality of a grizzly bear. These were the early days of “sharing the peace,” a practice I was uncomfortable with. We came to the peace, and I  turned to shake hands with the 12-year-old acolyte next to me. He looked at me strangely. I knew boys his age were often uncomfortable having physical contact with strange adults, so I didn’t push it. And then hugged me. Astonished, I watched him cross the chancel to give Bishop Grizzly Bear a bear hug. Soon everybody was hugging. The Bishop even hugged the pastor who had ran against him in the last election. As I said, love is infectious.

So love one another. Let Christ’s love grow and spread. Love one another.

Read John 13:34-35 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne