The last book published before Henri Nouwen’s death in 1996, Can You Drink the Cup? has been translated into ten languages and sold more than 140,000 copies. Exploring the deep spiritual impact of the question Jesus asked his friends James and John, Nouwen reflects upon the metaphor of the cup, using the images of holding, lifting, and drinking to articulate the basics of the spiritual life. … Written with the profound insight and clarity characteristic of his numerous best-selling books, Nouwen’s deeply perceptive exploration of Jesus’ challenging question has the power to pierce your heart, expand your spiritual horizons, and radically change your life.
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Since Covid reared its head a year ago many of us have lived in isolation. Fortunately where I live there are groups on Facebook – part of the Buy Nothing Project – where people can go and get things for free. The other day I saw someone post this book – so I responded and I am the lucky recipient of a totally splendid book.
It is an overwhelming when such a small book can have such a powerful impact on one’s Life. It’s like – this book has been waiting for me – out there in the oosphere.
The beauty of this small book starts with the titles for each Part – Part 1 – Holding the Cup – Chapter 1 – Holding; Chapter 2 – The Cup of Sorrow; Chapter 3 – The Cup of Joy.
I honestly can say that after reading these chapters I will not be able to hold a cup or glass of any kind without thinking of this book – and the meaning behind the words – Can You Drink the Cup?
We all have our Cups of Sorrow. Some of our Sorrows stay with us for Life. My hope is that – after reading this wonderful book I will be able to deal much better with my Sorrows.
Just as Chapter One is about our Sorrows – Chapter 2 is about our Joy – the same people – same situations – but that chapter looks at Life from a different view.. This is a beautiful sentence from the book that I share with all of you – The cup of life is the cup of joy as much as it is the cup of sorrow.
Think about that sentence. Think about it very carefully.
Part 2 – Lifting the Cup – Chapter 4 – Lifting – Chapter 5 – The Cup of Blessings – Chapter 6 – To Life.
Holding one’s cup of wine can be a spiritual act. In society people lift far too many cups of wine and consume that wine without hesitation or even thought about how solemn and spiritual that occasion can be. Perhaps while reading this chapter reflect upon how lifting a cup of wine was celebrated in one’s own family while growing up. Some of us will have joyful thoughts, while others of us might not.
This book makes one look at things in Life differently. Life is a blessing. Holding our daily cup is a blessing. Our cup is a cup of our Life’s sorrows and it is a cup of our Life’s joy. Celebrate your cup.
Another quote – When we lift the cup of our life and share with one another our sufferings and joys in mutual vulnerability, the new covenant can become visible among us. When we lift our cup – that gives life to all of us.
Part 2 – Drinking the Cup – Chapter 7 – Drinking – Chapter 8 – The Cup of Salvation – Chapter 9 – To the Bottom.
A quote – The cup that we hold and lift we must drink.
Sharing a drink or drinks with someone or someones brings on friendships. It brings on intimacy – as we get to know that someone or someones better. This happens were ever we go – in restaurants – at coffee bars – at either our homes or other people’s homes. Sharing that drink ‘breaks the ice.’
Our cup is not only a cup of sorrow and a cup of joy – it is also a cup of salvation. I am going to leave all of you hanging on that thought because I really do want many people to read this beautiful book and to experience the whole concept of the cup of salvation for oneself. Remember – drink that cup to the bottom. ::smile::
This book is apropos for these Covid times that we all find ourselves living in. It covers all the emotions we are feeling about living in our new ‘normal. I leave you, dear readers, with three words – silence – speaking – acting. You will know what do do with those three words by the time you have finished reading.
This book now sits in a place of honour with the Thomas Merton books that I have collected over the years. I shall most definitely read it again – more than twice.