Can you drink the cup?

Matthew 20: 17 - 28

Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?

The path to glory would be through suffering and the cross. That was Jesus' answer to the competitive brothers and their mother. And perhaps not understanding fully the form that cup would take, they readily answered 'Yes'. During our Christian journey, preachers who speak about the sacrifices and service asked of disciples are not very popular. We would rather hear the message of health and wealth. Under the influence of our culture, even our religion is expected to 'serve' us, in terms of 'blessings' rather than be seen as humble and sacrificial service.

And no one really wants to talk about the 'cup' they might be called to drink. It seems too negative, too disturbing. But that is exactly what the gospel message is about. Jesus did not free us from all suffering. He freed us from bondage to sin.....so that we can in fact live in spiritual freedom, whether in plenty or in want, whether in good times or in difficult circumstances. And so that, especially in our struggles, we will be free enough to make choices that continue to witness to our faith.

The book by Henri Nouwen entitled, "Can you drink the cup?" is a wonderfully deep reflection on drinking the cup of our lives. The cup according to him does not only mean sorrow but also joy. The cup is one of blessing and salvation. We drink the cup in solitude (to confront our true selves), in the presence of community (friends with whom we can speak from the depth of our heart) and also by embracing our true vocation (what God calls us to do). I have read this book a number of times since the late 90's, but each reading brings forth a new gift because I am at a different place on the journey of life. Recently, I have been focusing more on the third discipline, of asking what I am called to do, rather than what I want to do. It is not easy, given the tensions that exist between the church's calling and God's calling for a person. These could be the same but could also be different. One way is to take a step back and relook at things. This is what I will do, having let myself off from being a ministry head for the time being. I have allowed myself to lose my 'Mary-focus' by carelessly falling into Martha's distraction. It has not been an easy decision to make. Perhaps it was good that I experienced my frailty during the recent health problem. Otherwise, I might still be unconsciously allowing myself to pile up more and more to do, and as Nouwen says, prevent myself from drinking my cup completely.