The Gospel is rich in metaphors, using a picture of one thing to suggest something else. Calling Jesus the Good Shepherd doesn’t mean he is actually a sheep herder, but rather that like a good shepherd, he cares deeply for those who follow him, even to the point of laying down his life.

In a recent reading, Jesus uses the metaphor of a chalice, or more precisely, drinking what is inside the chalice. This is to take in something that will have its effect on you, both inside and out. For Jesus, what lies within this chalice is the suffering he will undergo for the betterment and salvation of us all. This cup represents the sacrifice that He—and, ideally, each of us—is prepared to make for the benefit of others. His challenge to us: can we drink this cup?

At different times and circumstances in our lives, we are challenged to take on one trial or another in the service of the neighbor.

Following this metaphor of Jesus drinking this cup of sorrow, are there difficulties you and I are asked to endure to serve these needs? For instance, a father working longer hours to provide a better life for his children. Or a mother willing to forego some of her leisure time to give more of her attention to just this same family. By swallowing these cups of sacrifice for others, we as followers of Jesus can draw nearer to him during our Lenten journey.  They are ways of bringing to life something of the generous and trusting spirit Jesus shows on his own way to his Father’s Kingdom.

In a letter written toward the end of his life, doesn’t Vincent counsel the place of such sacrifice in the following of the Lord.

If our perfection lies in charity, as is certain, there is none greater than to give oneself to save souls and to sacrifice oneself for them as Jesus Christ did.

(Volume: 7 | Page#: 356) To Antoine Fleury (in Saintes), 6 November, 1658 added on 6/28/2011