I just returned from our church family observance of Maundy Thursday in the narthex. Traditionally, it’s not a big day on the non-liturgical calendar, but it is a favorite of mine. To gather at the church at an odd hour on an odd day is to remind ourselves that something different is in the air. Something significant. Something history-making and life changing.

On our Lord’s last night before the events of Good Friday, he chose to share a meal with those closest to him. He chose two symbolic acts to define his life and ministry and to serve as an example for ours. He took the elements of the meal, bread and wine, and used them as a holy metaphor for the impending atonement. And he took a towel and washed the feet of those who followed him. As he did, they likely heard the echoes of the Galilean stranger: “If you want to be great in God’s Kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.”