Maundy comes from the Latin for command (we get “mandate” from it)…referring to the command Jesus gave his disciples on that night 2000 years ago.

Today, we hit the ground running. After Morning Office we had a Chapter Meeting (regular business meeting) where the schedule and duties for the rest of Holy Week were laid out, and especially for today as guests will begin arriving any minute.

So far, I’ve vacuumed, dusted, cleaned out bug-filled light fixtures (repaired one) and Brenda and I were placed on dinner prep for today. We work under the guidance of Helen, a delightful hobbit-of-a-Geordie woman who, it turns out, was born in the village of Swarland, just a mile the other side of Hazon.

It’s a busy place, but hospitality comes first: greeting people – making them welcome and getting them settled.

It was hopping this afternoon/evening. So much to do, so much to learn. Oh my gosh the health and safety stuff one must follow in the kitchen! It’s tough to be the new guy and feel like you’re slowing everything down because you touched the wrong with washed hands (or unwashed hands). But grace abounds.

It’s also good to feel the rhythm of the day again…busy, and then the bell rings. Scurry to get the task done, then drop it all for prayer. Maybe it’s just the drummer in me…but I love the rhythm.

I might have time for pictures tomorrow 🙂