Maundy Thursday (Year B)

First Reading - Micah 6.6-8

A reading from the book of the prophet Micah. What shall I bring, as an offering, to the Lord, as I bow down before God most high? Shall I bring burnt-offerings, calves a year old, thousands of rams, rivers of oil, or even my firstborn, the fruit of my body, for the transgressions of my soul? No, for the offering the Lord requires of us is this: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - Romans 12.1-2,9-20a,21

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, as your response to God’s great mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your minds, towards the perfect will of God. Let your love be genuine. Reject all that is evil, and cling to all that is good. With ever-greater devotion, honour one another, and serve the Lord. Rejoice in faith, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer. Support each other in need, and offer care to everyone. Bless those who persecute you; bless them, and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; and find your place amongst the humble, not amongst the arrogant. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but always do what is right in the sight of all.

Do all that you can to live at peace with everyone. When you are wronged, do not seek revenge. Instead, leave room for the judgement of God. For the scripture says, ‘Retribution is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’ So, as the scripture also says, if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - John 13.4-9,12-16a, 34-35

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. During the supper, Jesus left the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel. He came to Simon Peter, who said, ‘Lord, surely, I cannot let you wash my feet.’ Jesus said, ‘Soon you will understand that I must wash you clean if you are to be my disciple.’ Simon Peter said, ‘Then Lord, wash not only my feet, but my hands and my head also!’ After Jesus had washed their feet, he put on his robe, returned to the table, and said to them: ‘Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord; and as your Lord and Teacher, I have set you an example. You should do for one another what I have done for you, for no servant is greater than their master. And I give you this new commandment: as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.