THE TRIDUUM - The Three Days
Maundy Thursday
Cf LHWE page 181ff
'Maundy Thursday marks a new beginning, the beginning of the end. From this point on our Christian worship is a continuum through to Easter Morning. The Jewish beginning of the day (in the evening) unites the events of Maundy Thursday with the death of Christ the next afternoon. The provision of a watch underlies this continuity. The Watch should be observed at least for an hour, preferably until midnight, if not until the Liturgy of Good Friday.' (LHWE)
Two themes run through the Liturgy - love and service, emphasised by the gospel reading, echoing also the reconciliation of penitents. The washing of the feet demonstrates the meaning of the word Maundy from the Latin mandatum - a new commandment I give to you. The second theme is the institution of the Lord's Supper with its all themes of redemption, which carry through into the Eucharist of Easter Day, echoing Exodus 12.
The Preparation
A sentence of Scripture
Greeting
Prayers of penitence
Absolution
Gloria - traditionally accompanied by the ringing of bells to signify the start of the Triduum
The Collect
The Ministry of the Word
Old Testament Reading
Psalm
New Testament Reading
Gospel
Sermon
The Washing of the Feet
Ideally done with twelve members of the congregation
The Intercessions
The Prayer of approach
The Ministry of the Sacrament
The Pax
The Preparation of the Gifts
The Eucharistic Prayer with appropriate preface, and using the words 'on this night when he was betrayed …
The Communion
Lord's Prayer
Fraction
Agnus Dei
Invitation - The gifts of God is especially appropriate here
Post-Communion
Sentence of Scripture
Give thanks …
Post-Communion Prayer
Dismissal - if Watch not being held
The Watch
There may be a procession to a place set apart for silent prayer and reflection.
The stripping of the altars and the reading of Psalm 22 may take place after the post-communion prayer or after the procession to the place of the Watch.
A scheme of readings from John's Gospel is provided for in LHWE page 195. The gospel readings of the Watch are readings without ceremony or response and followed by silence.
Good Friday
Cf LHWE page 196ff
The Liturgy for Good Friday has four distinct parts: the Ministry of the Word; the Proclamation of the Cross; the Intercessions; Holy Communion. The central themes of this service if the Cross and the narration of the events leading to the crucifixion in S John's Gospel lie at the heart of the service.
The Proclamation of the Cross can be managed according to tradition and local custom, but should always end with the stark reality of the cross set before the people for silent reflection and intercession.
The vexed question of Holy Communion on Good Friday now seems to have been answered in the affirmative. It would seem that on this, above all days, it is wholly appropriate to eat the bread and drink the cup and so proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Provision is made in modern rites either to celebrate the Eucharist or to use elements consecrated at the Maundy Thursday Eucharist.
Silence plays a particular part in today's liturgy. The starkness of a stripped church, the use of silence and the striking image of a large wooden cross all shape the mood of the liturgy. No music should be played before or after the service, communion should take place in silence. The organ should only be used for accompanying the hymns.