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Thursday Tradition

Dateline: Maundy Thursday

Holy Thursday

The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci, 1498.

Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, marks a solemn moment in Holy Week, centering on the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and the Eucharist’s institution. The term “Maundy” derives from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command,” reflecting Jesus’ directive to love and serve others (John 13:34). It also recalls his agony in Gethsemane (John 13–17, Matthew 26:17–46). Christian traditions observe this day with reverent liturgies and acts of humility, each branch weaving its distinct practices into the shared narrative of Christ’s Passion.

All traditions emphasize the Last Supper, Eucharist, and servanthood, yet their approaches diverge. Eastern Orthodox churches focus on the mystical, with the Twelve Gospels service immersing worshippers in the Passion, omitting foot-washing. Catholics embrace rich rituals-Eucharist, foot-washing, adoration-often paired with vibrant processions. Protestants vary widely: Anglicans and Lutherans lean liturgical, Baptists favor simplicity, but Communion and service remain central. Oriental Orthodox mirror Eastern practices but include foot-washing and distinct prayers, like the Coptic Pascha hours. Culturally, Catholic and Orthodox rites feature vivid elements-crosses, marches-while Protestants often prioritize preaching or minimalism, especially in non-liturgical settings.

Maryland Man

In Maryland the “MS” in MS-13 means “Maryland Saint”. I wasn’t going to write about this guy.  Not even after they described him as a “wrongfully abducted Maryland father” I stayed in my stance. Calling him a constituent gave the hard count that pulled me offsides. He is literally not a constituent because he is an illegal alien.

I understand the legal arguments around the Trump team’s process That has been Stephen Miller’s point. Nobody is talking about a withholding order vs. a deportation order. They’ve chosen to humanize MS-13 instead of making a sound legal argument in public discourse. Andy McCarthy argues at National Review Online that they should adopt and co-opt this case.  That’s why they’re on the losing end of the issue.

It’s beyond a legal argument, it’s a constitutional one. He received all the due process he deserved for years. Whether the DOJ should have obtained a withholding order and sent him to Afghanistan or Somalia is moot. He’s an El Salvadoran citizen, currently in El Salvador, under the custody of El Salvador and the legal case is moot.

The goal of the Left is to bog the deporations with fraudulent asylum applications and due process hearings in friendly jurisdictions, which will make this drag out for decades. This is why they programmed Biden to say “we immediately surge to the border” on the Democrat debate. This was followed by four years of leftist authored Executive Orders dismantling all aspects of our border protection. All signed with an auto pen. It was designed. They will not succeed because President Trump does not back down and this is what he ran on and what he was elected by the country to do.

The president has the executive Power to defend the country. The law is based on that plenary power. President Trump has designated MS-13 a Foreign Terrorist Organization in Executive Order 14157, which renders each legal argument moot.  The order is proper, it is based on the law, which is based on the Constitution and has been published in the Federal Register.  Not only is this legal, it is Constitutional. Here endeth the lesson.

DOGE Update

There are twice as many credit cards issued and active than the total number of Federal employees.

Here’s what you do: Give a one month cut off notice with a reapplication requirement. Extend it two weeks once. Then cut them off and an employee then must get manager approval to reapply. Problem solved.

The Judas Kiss

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas, His denial by Peter, and the scourging He endured are profound events that fulfill Old Testament prophecies, revealing the divine precision of God’s plan. Judas, a trusted disciple, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as foretold in Zechariah 11:12-13, which even specifies the exact amount and its eventual use to purchase a potter’s field. Similarly, Peter’s threefold denial before the rooster’s crow aligns with Zechariah 13:7, where the striking of the shepherd causes the sheep to scatter, and echoes Psalm 41:9’s lament of a friend’s betrayal. These moments of rejection, though painful, underscore the scriptural narrative of a Messiah who would be forsaken by those closest to Him, fulfilling ancient promises with striking accuracy.

The scourging of Jesus, a brutal act of physical suffering, fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of a Suffering Servant whose wounds bring healing, and Isaiah 50:6, describing one who offers His back to those who beat Him. Psalm 129:3 vividly portrays His back as plowed with long furrows, a direct reference to the wounds inflicted by Roman whips. These events, woven together, demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, where Jesus’ suffering and isolation serve a greater purpose. They invite reflection on the cost of redemption, showing how every detail-betrayal, denial, and agony-was foretold to affirm Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah.

After Judas attempted to return the silver, he hung himself in the Hinnom Valley by the Annas family tombs, thereby defiling them to bring the betrayal full circle.

There was a betrayal with a kiss,

a denial…
a denial…
a denial…

Scourging, mocking, crucifixion, and a broken heart, causing death.

But Sunday’s coming.

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James K. Bishop

James K. Bishop is a conservative writer and raconteur hailing from Texas, known for his incisive and often provocative takes on political and cultural issues. With a staunch commitment to originalist constitutional principles, he emphasizes limited government, individual liberties, and traditional American values. Active on X under the handle @James_K_Bishop, he frequently engages his audience with sharp critiques of progressive policies, media narratives, and overreaches by the federal government. His style is direct, often laced with humor and wit, which resonates strongly with his conservative followers.