Can You Drink the Cup?

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Summary: Reflections on Life
Review: I am a student of Nouwen's work, and I must say this is a shining star of his books. Although short, there is a lot of truth to be had from reading this inspiring analogy of the spiritual life. Fr. Nouwen definitely knew the heart of God for the people he lived with, and it shows!

Rating:
Summary: good book but he has better
Review: Liked this but he has done better. Recommended but might start elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Another excellent book by Nouwen
Review: Nouwen gives us another excellent look at the spritual life, and how we can live it to the fullest, this time by using the metaphor, of holding, lifting, and drinking the cup, as Christ did in his life, death, and resurrection. We see that in order to truly drink our cups, we must be willing to drink both joy and sorrow, to in effect, drink life to its fullest, "to the dregs," if you will. Nouwen ably uses examples of hospitality and from his life with the mentally disabled at L'arche Daybreak to make his points. Especially poignant is the story of a visit he makes to one resident who has to spend time in a mental institution, and how that resident breaks down barriers to bring joy and hospitality to some rather stuffy people.

What was so wonderful about Henri Nouwen was that God was everywhere for him, in the simple as well as the most complex. His message of hope and love resonnates not only with his core Catholic constituents, but with Protestants like me, and I suspect, with people of other faiths as well. I have yet to read a book of his that hasn't moved me and helped me grow in my faith. This one is no exception. Definitely a keeper and one to be reread!