This day is traditionally referred to as Maundy Thursday. According to wikipedia this term may carry its significance from “Middle English and Old French mandé, from theLatin mandatum, the first word of the phrase “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” (“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you”), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John 13:34 by which Jesus explained to the Apostles the significance of his action of washing their feet.”
Other traditions, according to wikipedia, cite the “”maundsor baskets” or “maundy purses” of alms which the king of England distributed to certain poor at Whitehall before attending Mass on that day. Thus, “maund” is connected to the Latin mendicare, and French mendier, to beg.”
In either case this day should draw us closer to the sacrifice Christ made for us and the example He set for us to be servants. We should be reminded of our calling to love our neighbors and to be the hands and feet of Christ ina broken and lost world.