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Maundy Thursday • Year A
April 2, 2026
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Historical Collect
O Lord God, you left to us a wonderful sacrament, a memorial of your passion. Grant, we beseech you, that we may so partake of this sacrament of your body and blood that the fruits of your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Thomas Aquinas)
Thematic Collect
Holy God, your Son gave us a new commandment, and through his act of radical servanthood he showed us the way of true love. Grant that we may share his servant nature as we live out your reign awaiting the promise of his return; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
Moses and the people beheld God, and ate and drank. God is witnessed in all his benefits, so what can we do but eat and drink from the cup of his salvation? His greatest help, of course, is that salvation, and it was won for us at a great price to the Father. Because of immense love for us, he sent his Son to die for us, securing everlasting redemption for those who believe his promise. This love is what we receive as we remember Christ’s sacrifice, his broken body and shed blood. What can we do but eat and drink—and behold the Lord?
First Reading • Exodus 24:3–11
We see in this Reading how the Word and sacrifice go together to justify us to God. This is the promise given: that we are granted forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the shed blood of God’s Son. Those who believe this word, that is, who have faith that the sacrifice of Christ Jesus is sufficient for salvation, receive what is necessary to behold the holy Lord God. Through faith in the word of promise working in the blood of righteous sacrifice, we are imputed with the righteousness of that sacrifice. In other words, the Word and blood of the Savior make us holy and therefore, able to stand in the presence of the holy God.
Psalm • Psalm 116:12-19
What does the Lord want from us? What gift could he possibly desire? God has the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps. 50:10). Further, God has stated many times that he is weary of our sacrifices (Isa. 1:11). So, what could we possibly offer God that he does not have and that he actually wants? The psalmist tells us that God desires our confession. He wants us to take up “the cup of salvation.” In other words, all God wants is for us to take joy in what he has given us.
Second Reading • Hebrews 9:11–22
The seemingly endless procession of animals that were led to the altar of sacrifice has ceased. This is not for lack of an altar but for lack of need. For Christ our High Priest has mediated a greater and perfect sacrifice, by the shedding of his own blood. Instead of the blood of goats and calves, the Lamb of God offered his own blood, securing eternal redemption for those who believe in him. Christ Jesus offered the himself as blood of the covenant, obtaining forever and for all who believe the forgiveness of sins.
Gospel • Matthew 26:17–30
Truth is, we have all betrayed Jesus, and blood is required to atone for our sins. Yet, a new sacrifice is not required (Heb 9:12). Jesus has given his own body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. With the bread Christ gives us his body, for he broke it for us. With the wine, he has given his blood, poured for us. Through his perfect sacrifice, all our betrayals are forgiven, and God is justified to so.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
