Maundy Thursday: Signs and Symbols of the Service of Shadows

We gather on Maundy Thursday to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, which was instituted by our Lord on the night before He died and during which he commanded his followers to observe in remembrance of him (1 Cor. 11:24-25).  The word maundy means command.  We also gather in prayerful meditation upon His passion and death. That meditation is provided for us in the Service of Shadows.

What is the Service of Shadows? It is a brief devotion modeled on a larger service called Tenebrae. The name tenebrae, meaning darkness or shadows, has for centuries been applied to the solemn prayer service held across the last three days of Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). In its full form, this extensive service consists of 13 psalms (with a choral response after each), 4 scripture readings, a reflection by St. Augustine on Psalm 55, several short responsive readings, and two congregational hymns. The majority of the readings speak to the depth of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. The last few address His kingship or express praise. The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle remains. This candle is a symbol of the Lord. After the last scripture reading, it is hidden to represent the apparent victory of the forces of evil after Jesus’ death.

Toward the end of the service, a loud noise is made. According to tradition, this might symbolize the earthquake that occurred at the time of Jesus’ death, or it might represent the closing of Jesus’ tomb. In some traditions, multiple loud noises are made to call to mind the chaos of a world without a savior. After this, the hidden candle is restored to its place, reminding us that Christ is the one true and eternal victor over the forces of evil. His light cannot be extinguished.