The workshop was winding up. About 25 pleasant church people had gathered in central Pennsylvania to take part in a workshop on worship. The better part of a Saturday morning had dealt with a variety of topics, such as the order of worship, the role of music, the place of preaching, and whether or not children should come to the Lord's table. A few stomachs were growling for lunch when I asked, "Does anybody have any questions?" Most people smiled and sat in that circle of metal folding chairs. One woman, however, thought for a minute and then shot up her hand. She said, "You know, there's something I've always wondered about. Why do we bother with Maundy Thursday?"

The question came out of the blue; it was some time in October, and no time close to Holy Week. I said, "I'm not sure what y…