Growing up, Maundy Thursday in our family was sacred—not in the extravagant or ceremonial way, but in the quiet, intentional rituals that we kept year after year. We never left the house. It was our little sanctuary where we honored the day with stillness, simplicity, and reflection.
As we observe Maundy Thursday, it’s not only about fasting or solemn reflection—it’s also about remembering the deep humility and love Jesus showed during His final hours. This day marks the Last Supper, when Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion (Luke 22:7–38). It was during this sacred meal that He instituted the Holy Eucharist, breaking bread and offering wine as symbols of His body and blood.
One of the most touching acts during this night was when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, teaching them the essence of servant leadership and humility. This act is detailed in John 13:1–17, a powerful reminder of how we should serve one another with love and compassion.
OUR TRADITION
We always began the day with worship songs. The soft melodies would play throughout our home, setting the tone for peace and gratitude. It was our way of welcoming the day and inviting the presence of the Lord into our hearts and space.
Our tradition was simple yet meaningful: a marathon of biblical movies played in the background, the Bible sat open on the table, and we took turns reading a verse or two throughout the day. Our meals were humble—usually fish, vegetables, and bread—signifying the start of our fasting. No meat, no indulgence. Just a day to pause and reflect.
When I moved out and entered college, I brought that tradition with me. Even in the busyness of dorm life and academic pressure, I made space every Maundy Thursday to return to that calm. I added something personal to it—my journal. I would write my thoughts, reflections, and even prayers. It became a sacred space between me and my faith. A quiet tradition that gave me clarity and peace.
Now that I’m a mother of two young adults, I find comfort knowing that the tradition has stayed with me—and somehow, it's evolving too. As I write this, it’s Maundy Thursday once again. The house is calm. My eldest daughter is curled up on the couch watching Kdramas, and my youngest is in her room, typing away on her thesis. She’s graduating this year, and I couldn’t be prouder.
We still follow our simple Lenten food tradition. The smell of grilled fish fills the kitchen, and we have vegetables and bread ready for dinner. The biblical movie marathon is on, quietly playing in the background, almost like a heartbeat reminding us of what this day is about. And yes, worship music still plays in the background—grounding us, lifting us.
While we all do our own thing now, the spirit of Maundy Thursday lives on in our home.
It’s not about being rigid or perfect with our traditions—it’s about remembering. It’s about passing on values of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and stillness in a world that never seems to pause.
And as I write in my journal today, I smile knowing that Maundy Thursday will always be my day of grounding, whether as a daughter, a student, or now, a mom.
