The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin for 'command' (mandatum). It refers to the command given by Jesus at the Last Supper, that his disciples should love one another.  As disciples of Christ – we are called to do the same.
A command to radical love. 

….To self giving, for the good of another.

….. To compassion, and empathy

…..  To mercy ….and to justice

It is a love that calls us to open our eyes and to see the world form a God driven perspective, rather than a human one – and it is a love that calls us to action.

Radical love can be frightening and dangerous.

It may require you to speak out, against something which is not popular and may have personal and negative repercussions on our otherwise comfortable lives.

It can mean involving yourself with people who are less than honest, and who may try to take advantage of you as you seek to help them.

It might require you to go into places unknown – trusting without guarantees or promises, that everything will be ok – and accepting if it is not.

It demands personal reflection and self-awareness to break down the walls of who you thought you were, so that you may discover who you really are.

Radical love is risky – and it can do more than trouble you, ---- it can get you in trouble. 

When Jesus took off his towel and washed the feet of his disciples, he set before them a new example of servanthood that can only ever be empowered by radical love as we go out in the world doing our part to make God’s kingdom alive and real.

His disciples, typically didn’t understand what he was doing at that time and Peter in particular protested his actions.

When Jesus explained himself Peter then became eager and enthusiastic and said, “well then, don’t just wash my feet!  Wash my hands and head!”    

Little did Peter know that he was not yet comprehending the meaning of what Christ was doing, or the price that would be demanded of such radical love.

Because as we know ….. those same feet, washed by Christ will in a few hours carry him out into the night to the site of his friend’s trial where in his fear, and lack of understanding he will deny ever knowing him. 

Peter is going to lose his nerve.

I’m reminded of how our feet carry us out in the world in a life lived in Christ, and how sometimes we lose our nerve in the dark and the panic of those events that are beyond our understanding and control, just like with Peter.

Radical love:  Sometimes we do not always understand where it will take us.  We do not know what the outcome of our loving response will be. 

We are not meant to know …..

For as we go out in the world, washed clean by Christ, his words to the disciples remain with us and comfort us

 “ you do not know what I am doing, but later you will understand”.

                                                                             Amen