Tuesday, January 9, 2018

THE CUP OF SUFFERING

Jesus ask His disciples, “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”  (Matthew 20:22)

Each of our life choices, decisions, and actions involves some consequences. Something will happen because of what we think, say, and do. These consequences may bring gladness, but they also may bring sadness. For example, if we choose to love someone deeply, we must be willing to accept that our heart’s investment may cost us loneliness and heartache. We will be challenged to accept that person’s weaknesses as well as that person’s strengths. We may bear deep sorrow if they die or if they choose to leave us without our consent.

Every investment has a consequence. Those who have children know the gift of those wonderful beings, but they also know the tremendous sacrifices involved. Physicians know the satisfaction of helping a patient heal, but they also pay the price of long, intense hours of work that often infringe on their family life. For myself as a writer, I love the “glory” of seeing words come together, but I must also accept the pain of the writing process -- loneliness, editing, deadlines, and vulnerability. At some time or other, we all have to face the question that Jesus asked His disciples. We ought not to run from the question because it contains within it the seed of spiritual growth.

-- Joyce Rupp in “The Cup of Our Life: A Guide for Spiritual Growth”


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