Lifting the Cup
When we hold firm our cups of life, fully acknowledging their sorrows and joys, we will also be able to lift our cups in human solidarity. Lifting our cups means that we are not ashamed of what we are living, and this gesture encourages others to befriend their truths as we are trying to befriend ours. By lifting up our cups and saying to each other, "To life" or "To your health," we proclaim that we are willing to look truthfully at our lives together. Thus, we can become a community of people encouraging one another to fully drink the cups that have been given to us in the conviction that they will lead us to true fulfillment.
These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey. May 11.
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Mark 13:1-13. Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?
There is not now, nor has there ever
been, a dearth of prognosticators. From ancient times when the entrails
of animals were "read" and famous oracles were consulted, to the
present day with horoscopes in newspapers, magazines, and all over the
Web, and psychic counselors and interpreters of ancient prophesies,
people seem to have an insatiable desire to know the future. If we know
what and when whatever will be, then we can, perhaps, change the course
of events to suit our desires.
Jesus predicts that the Temple in
Jerusalem will someday be destroyed, and the disciples want to know
specifics. Such an event would signal the end of religion as they
understood it. They want to be prepared. Jesus won't give dates and
times. Rather, he tells them that much of what causes turmoil and
suffering in the world will continue. But more importantly he tells
them, and us, always to be ready for God to do something new, even in
the midst of chaos and the demise of what has always been.
Forward Day by Day, Forward Movement Publications. August 22.
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