Mandatum Novum

Ever wondered where the maundy in Maundy Thursday came from? I certainly have! Well, I'm a day late, but the Mute Troubadour shed light on this yesterday, and I thought it worth repeating.

"Maundy" is derived from St. Ambrose's Latin translation of John 13:34, "mandatum novum": "a new commandment." Jesus said to his disciples the night of his arrest, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are truly my followers, if you have love for one another."

Isn't that a great way to name a day? What better passage of scripture to name a day after!