Transformative Maundy Thursday: Systemic change initiated by an outstanding leader
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Maundy Thursday is a very important day within Holy Week. The Lord's Last Supper has a very profound meaning beyond a series of liturgical rituals that have become a christian tradition. It is a day on which the Lord pronounces an order – a Mandatum (where maundy came from), a commandment asserting his role of Commander-in-Chief. It is around this meal that he commands radical systemic change governed by Agape love (gr Agapao) : to show kindness and care to others, to forgive, feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, and to respect his dignity - in order to maintain a harmonious and peaceful world - overcoming the unjust system motivated by the destructive egoism of the present (and of the times).
From the ceremonial feet-washing, to his vulnerability as he is aware of the betrayal of one of his team members manipulated by the holders of a domineering power as well as all that awaits him to carry out his mission to the end, … his prayer for his people who remain in this system and who must continue the fight, … Jesus offers a true Master class over the Maundy Thursday that he invites us to reconsider with new lenses.
Read John chap 13 and on to discover in a beautiful narrative an unusual leadership lessons where self-awareness, humility, agape and courage prevail to overthrow a system maintained by selfishness and iniquity for the sole benefit of greed and avidity for power.
When Jesus says "...do this in remembrance of me", it's not just symbolic, it's a call to action to repair this “World” (Gr Kosmos ) governed by injustice in all its form to become again a home (Gr Oikos) where harmony within self, in our relationship with others and with the creation directs the link that connects us all and connect us to the Creator. It is why our Lord and Savior accepted to break his body and offer his blood. AGAPE IS BAE!
#Justworld
#SustainablePlanet
Lantonirina Rakotomalala
General Secretary, Africa YMCA
