March 27, 2025 - Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Artist Sister Mary of the Compassion, OP (1908-1977)

Once, during one of my Holy Hours in the Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd at the seminary, I found myself contemplating the stained-glass window right behind the tabernacle. The window is divided into four sections: a small section at the top features the image of a pelican sacrificing herself to feed her young, while the three sections at the bottom depict the Good Shepherd in the center. On either side of the Good Shepherd are images of the priest Melchizedek presenting a cup to Abraham on one side, and Jesus holding a cup on the other as if He were distributing Holy Communion. 

It was early afternoon, and sunlight was coming through the stained-glass window. Immediately, I found myself concentrating on different aspects of life—as in the case of the two side-sections of the stained-glass window—when the “cup” is presented to us to drink from. We all experience pleasant and unpleasant moments when Christ himself offers us from His cup, yet it seems hard for us to see Him or hear His voice. 

During this Lent, we are invited to reflect deeply on our relationship with God and our responsiveness to His call. Throughout this series of reflections, we are asked if we can drink from His cup. We are challenged to contemplate our willingness to embrace the fullness of life’s experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, in union with Christ the Good Shepherd; this means to “walk in all the ways that [the Lord has] command [us.]” 

To “drink the cup” signifies a complete acceptance of our life’s journey, with all its trials and triumphs, in faithful obedience to God’s will. This act of acceptance requires deep listening—a receptivity to God’s voice guiding us through our conscience, Scripture, and daily life experiences. 

Being asked, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” poses a direct challenge to all disciples. It invites participation in His mission, which involves sacrifice, service, and ultimately, redemption. The apostles’ immediate affirmation, “We can,” illustrates a readiness that we are also called to embody, even if we don’t fully grasp the depth of this commitment.   

However, such readiness is in vain without the foundation of listening. The Israelites’ failure to heed God’s voice led them away from His covenant. Similarly, the onlookers in today’s Gospel from Luke were skeptics, which prevented them from recognizing the Messiah in their midst. These examples serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that without attentive listening, we risk missing God’s presence and purpose in our lives. 

In this Lenten season, let us cultivate the discipline of silence to truly hear God’s voice. As Henri Nouwen and many saints of the Church remind us that, embracing the disciplines of silence, the Holy Spirit can lead us through word and action to spiritual freedom. By doing so, we will ultimately be prepared to drink the cup—to fully engage with the life God has given us, embracing its challenges and blessings, and aligning ourselves with His divine will. 

May you and I respond to God’s call with open hearts, be ready to listen, and be willing to partake in the cup of life that leads to our salvation. 

We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards the worthy celebration of the Paschal Mystery. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. (Roman Missal)

Carlos Vargas, Seminarian, Diocese of Paterson

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