Can You Drink the Cup?

Excellent treatise

How in the world can suffering, heartache and longing become a blessing? Henri Nouwen invites his readers to ponder exactly that when he revisits Jesus famous statement "Can you drink from the cup I am going to drink?"

What a beautiful book, joining the cross of suffering with the grace of joy. I absolutely recommend this book for everyone to read. Catholic or not.

Worth the time to read, consider, contemplate, and respond. Nouwen has an insight that is useful to anyone who needs some guidance on the journey of life.

When a friend of mine in Christ recommended this book, I was surprised--I thought that I had read all of Henri Nouwen's books. Of course, I was happy to take the recommendation. The fact that it was dedicated, in part, to the l'Arche Daybreak Community here in Northern Virginia added special meaning for me because I colleague with whom I shared clinical pastoral education also worked in this community serving special needs individuals. In this book, Nouwen talks at length about his personal history, particularly his ordination. From the age of six, Nouwen wanted to be a priest and he was ordained as Roman Catholic priest on July 21, 1957 in the Netherlands (16). As a gift for his ordination, his uncle gave him a chalice (20). "Can You Drink the Cup?" is a book structured around the metaphor of drinking wine. The book starts with citing Matthew 20:20-23. In this passage the mother of Zebedee's two sons, James and John, comes to Jesus to request that her sons be given seats at the left and right of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus denies the request posing a question: "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" (Matt 20:22 ESV). Nouwen sees the cup as a symbol of our life. He asks: "Can we hold the cup of life in our hands? Can be lift it up for others to see, and can we drink it to the full?" (24) Nouwen structures his book around these three themes: "holding, lifting, and drinking" (25). Holding. Nouwen comments: "drinking wine is more than just drinking. You have to know what you are drinking and be able to talk about it" (29). (Now I know why I prefer beer!) In talking about this holding of the cup, Nouwen talks about the joys and sorrows of living and working with special needs people. Nouwen writes: "Joys are hidden in sorrows!" (56) In my own work with Alzheimer's patients, I have come to know both the joy of walking with them and the deep sorrow, deep abandonment they feel. Lifting. Nouwen writes: "Lifting up the cup is an invitation to affirm and celebrate life together" (61). The symbolism here is not only the toast and the word that are spoken, but the celebration, especially the celebration of communion. A toast is a blessing (68). In Spanish, a blessing is a good word (bendición) and a curse is a bad word (maldición). In the biblical world where worlds are created and destroyed by God's word, one learns to choose one's words carefully. Drinking. Nouwen reminds us that offering a drink to a visitor is a basic act of hospitality (86). Being willing to share is another way of saying that one accepts one's status in life. At what point do we reach that point? A resident of L'Arche, Gordie, asked Nouwen: "Why are people leaving all the time?" (93). This question cuts to the core of pastoral ministry. As an intern, I was happy to work with Alzheimer's patients but Gordie's question cut to core--could I, as Nouwen did, give up the fast track and just simply work in a home with Alzheimer's patients? What level of sacrifice are we willing to offer? What about our families? As a seminarian, I found "Can You Drink the Cup?" very convicting. Perhaps, you will too.

I have purchased many books by Henri Nouwen and although I do not agree with him on some theological issues, I find him a compelling, thoughtful writer who has a deep spiritual understanding of issues of the human heart as they relate to God and self. This book was a gift I purchased for someone after I had gotten my own copy. It enriched my appreciation of the communion rite as well as expanded it, through his insights, to life in general.

Well written, easy to follow, and I will read more. I appreciate the symbolism. I encourage anyone who’s interested in Scriptures to read this book.

A wonderful and encouraging emphasis on the Lord’s Cup, as well as our own cup of life. Being a servant to others, following the example of Christ.

Already owned a copy and wanted a second one to give out. For those who are discerning a call to Christianity, need look to what the Lord had instituted at the Lord's Supper and what a personal commitment to the spiritual life means. This is what this book explores.

Yet another very good work by Henri Nouwen. It is very thought provoking but not difficult at all to read. I am sure I will refer many times to this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to 'drink more fully from the cup of life'.

Can You Drink the Cup is a soul-searching and worthwhile, at times a confronting book to read. If you want to learn more about the deepest parts of you, if you want to face the questions of how to deal with pain, suffering, the unexpected that life brings - this book is for you. Most of us want to avoid pain in our lives. This book makes a pathway for the reader to enter into pain and suffering experienced, as an integral part of life. This book encourages the reader to discover the joy which can be found and balanced against suffering. I thoroughly recommend this book.

Henri Nouwen, one of North Americas leading spiritual guides in the Christian Faith.

As with all Henri Nouwen's books he speaks from his own experience of the spiritual life and draws one deeper into the love of God.