Episode 3029: The Mandatum: "The Commandment" - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Cur Deus Homo ("Why did God become man?) St. Anselm of Canterbury
A theological explanation of the necessity of Christ’s Incarnation and Passion.

The Mandatum: "The Commandment" Love and Service at the Threshold of the Passion"
We delve into the sacred liturgy and the lives of the saints through the lens of the Traditional Roman Rite. Today is Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marking the beginning of the Sacred Triduum. We commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood, as well as Jesus' commandment to love one another.
Maundy Thursday, observed on the Thursday before Easter, commemorates three major events in the life of Christ:
1. The Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper
2. The Institution of the Priesthood
3. The Washing of the Feet an act of profound humility and charity by Our Lord
The Word Maundy – Where It Comes From
The term "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means "commandment."
It refers specifically to Christ's words at the Last Supper recorded in the Gospel of John:
"Mandatum novum do vobis: ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos."
"A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you."
— John 13:34
This “new commandment” of love is what gives Maundy Thursday its name. In essence, it reminds us not only of Christ’s institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, but also of the divine call to selfless love and service.
1 Corinthians 11:20–32
"For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall show the death of the Lord, until He come." (1 Cor. 11:26)
Context & Meaning:
St. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, warns them not to approach the Eucharist casually or unworthily. The Corinthians were abusing the sacred liturgy, turning the communal meal into a profane feast with divisions and disregard for the sanctity of the Sacrament. Paul reminds them that the Eucharist is not just a ritual meal it is a proclamation of the death of the Lord. Every time we receive Holy Communion, we are mystically united to Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The phrase "until He come" points us forward in hope our reception of the Eucharist not only recalls Christ’s past sacrifice but looks toward His Second Coming in glory.
Traditional Reflection:
This passage demands serious self-examination. St. Paul says, "He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself." (v. 29) The Church has always taught, in line with this scripture, that we must be in a state of grace before receiving Communion. Mortal sin bars us from partaking in the divine banquet.
Thus, the Eucharist is not just a sign, but a living sacrifice and a true presence the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. As St. Thomas Aquinas teaches, “What senses fail to fathom, let us grasp through faith’s consent.”
In the traditional Latin Mass, the priest prays before Communion: "Domine, non sum dignus..." Lord, I am not worthy. This profound humility should characterize every soul that approaches the altar.
Gospel Reflection: John 13:1–15
"If then I, being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13:14)
Context & Meaning:
This passage recounts the Washing of the Feet during the Last Supper. It is a gesture of utter humility God Incarnate kneels before His creatures to wash their feet, a task reserved for the lowliest servant. It shocks Peter, who initially refuses. But Christ responds: "If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with Me."
The mandatum (Latin for "commandment") is given here: "That you love one another, as I have loved you" (cf. John 13:34). Christ’s love is not sentimental it is sacrificial, humbling, and self-giving.
Traditional Reflection:
In this moment, Our Lord prefigures both the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the Sacrament of Penance. He purifies His Apostles, ordains them, and commands them to serve. The washing of the feet is not merely symbolic, but a profound liturgical action preserved even today in the Holy Thursday liturgy.
The humility of Christ teaches us what true Christian leadership and charity look like. To lead is to serve. To love is to lower oneself for the good of another. Christ, the King of Kings, chose not a throne but a towel. This inversion of worldly power is a cornerstone of the Gospel.
For traditional Catholics, this passage also reflects the call to live out our vocation whether as clergy, religious, or laity with deep humility and obedience to Christ’s command. Our external devotion must be matched by internal charity.
On this holy day, especially as we meditate on these passages, we are drawn into the mystery of the Eucharist and the essence of Christian charity. The Church invites us to reflect:
• Do we approach the Eucharist with reverence, fasting, and with souls purified by confession?
• Do we serve our families, communities, and parishes with the same humility Christ showed?
• Do we recognize the Real Presence of Our Lord in the tabernacle and treat Him with the awe and silence due?
Let us imitate the sacrificial love of the altar and the servant’s towel. These are not separate acts, but one reality in the life of a faithful Catholic.
Saints Commemorated on April 17 (Traditional Calendar)
While Holy Thursday takes precedence in the liturgical celebration, the traditional calendar commemorates several saints on April 17:
• St. Anicetus: A Syrian who became Pope around 155 AD. He opposed heresies like Marcionism and Gnosticism and dealt with early controversies over the date of Easter.
• St. Elias of Cordoba: A priest and martyr who suffered persecution under the Moors in 856 AD.
• St. Isidore of Cordoba: A disciple of St. Elias, martyred for his faith.
• St. Paulus of Cordoba: Another martyr from Cordoba, known for his steadfast faith.
These saints exemplify unwavering faith and dedication to the truth, even in the face of persecution.
Theme of the Day: Love and Service
Holy Thursday invites us to reflect on Jesus' acts of humility and love:
• The Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus offers Himself as the Bread of Life.
• The Washing of the Feet: He demonstrates servant leadership.
• The New Commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34)
As we meditate on these events, we're called to embody this love and service in our daily lives.

Quotes for Meditation
• "Do this in remembrance of me." — Luke 22:19
• "No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." — John 15:13
• "The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus." — St. Peter Julian Eymard
Concluding Prayer
Let us pray:
O Lord Jesus Christ, on this sacred night, You gave us the gift of the Holy Eucharist and taught us to love through humble service. Grant us the grace to receive Your Body and Blood worthily and to follow Your example of charity and humility. Through the intercession of St. Anicetus and the martyrs of Cordoba, strengthen our faith and commitment to Your commandments.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us on Tradition and Truth. As we enter the Sacred Triduum, may these reflections deepen your understanding and love for the Passion of our Lord. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.