This day, Maundy Thursday (also “Holy Thursday” or “Shire Thursday”) commemorates Christ’s Last Supper and the initiation of the Eucharist. Its name of “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “command.” This stems from Christ’s words in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you.” It is the first of the three days known as the “Triduum,” and after the Vigil tonight, and until the Vigil of Easter, a more profoundly somber attitude prevails (most especially during the hours between Noon and 3:00 PM on Good Friday). Raucous amusements should be set aside…(Fisheaters)
Excerpt taken from Reflections On The Passion by Charles Hugo Doyle
“Fearful that they would be deprived of the satisfaction of crucifying Him, the soldiers compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, to help our Lord. This is a true picture of every follower of Christ. We must all share the cross with Christ if we would reign with Him. Did our Lord not say, “He who does not take up his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me” Matthew 10:38?
There is great consolation in reversing the scene wherein Simon helps Jesus carry His cross and contemplating it in a new light–that of Christ helping Simon carry the cross. You see, once Simon was pressed into service by the soldiers, our Lord did not abandon him and leave him to struggle with the load alone. Indeed not. Christ, weak as He was, placed His bruised and torn shoulder under the heavier part.
Every cross we have to bear will find Christ’s shoulder beneath it, and, indeed, beneath the heavier end of it. There is no cross we are unable to bear with Jesus helping us. No load He shares will ever crush us, for we have His infallible word, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28″
Thank you Jenny for such interesting posts this Holy Week. Have recently joined your blog and find your words thought provoking, enlightening and always helpful.
Pax et Bonum