Join us as we reflect on “Can You Drink the Cup?”

We are pleased to announce a summer book discussion on Henri Nouwen’s Can You Drink the Cup? which will begin June 29th, facilitated by Ray Glennon. There is no need to register for this discussion; simply return here during the week of June 29th. Ray will welcome you with an invitation to post a brief introduction of yourself if you wish to share – there is no requirement to do so. The following Sunday (July 6th) Ray will begin a weekly posting of questions for reflection. Participate in any way that is nourishing for you – there is no requirement to ‘accomplish’ anything. You may feel moved to share your reflections or you may prefer to keep a journal during this time or reflect in solitude. Come and see!

Can You Drink the Cup?

Ray Glennon
Ray will lead the Henri Nouwen Society’s summer 2014 book discussion.

RAY GLENNON actively volunteers in his parish Confirmation and adult faith formation programs. He and his wife are members of a Catholic charismatic community where he also  chairs the school board. Ray is an experienced group facilitator and throughout the summer book discussion he will work to create a safe and welcoming space that provides the opportunity for participants to reflect on the readings, and to share thoughts and encouragement with others.

Ray first became familiar with Henri’s work over 20 years ago. He came to know and trust in Henri’s written word in a special way in 2004 when he found The Return of the Prodigal Son for sale after Mass at the cathedral in Singapore at an important point in his life. Since 2010 Ray has been an active participant in nine of our Nouwen book discussions led by our regular facilitator Brynn Lawrence. Brynn will rejoin us for the Advent book discussion. In her absence, Ray has agreed to facilitate our discussion this summer. If you have any questions for Ray, please contact him directly at ray.glennon@1972.usna.com and you can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/@RayGlennon.

Can You Drink the Cup? can be purchased in US dollars from our website. Please click here for purchases in Canadian dollars.

We look forward to hearing from our old friends, and welcoming new ones! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@henrinouwen.org

Blessings,
Maureen Wright
Nouwen Legacy Manager
1-866-226-2158

46 Replies to “Join us as we reflect on “Can You Drink the Cup?””

  1. There isn’t a book by Nouwen that I do not like! I look forward to sharing insights on this book. He speaks to my heart.

  2. I am a Spiritual Director living in Dallas, TX. I have loved Henri Nouwen’s writings for many years. Just this morning, I finished reading “Can You Drink the Cup” and it is exactly what I needed to hear. Now, I want to reread and meditate on my many underlines, and I am looking forward to hearing how it affects all of you.
    Beverly

  3. Hello to all from North Carolina. I am excited about joining the book discussion on “Can You Drink the Cup? I was introduced to Henri about 6 years ago when I began my journey to profession as a Secular Franciscan. He is probably one of the most read and loved authors by Franciscan’s. I love his work, he speaks to my heart each day through the meditations. I am re-reading Beloved during my prayer time each day. I have the book and I’m ready to begin the discussion group.

  4. I would like to join the book discussion. I have read most of Henri Nouwen’s books and would welcome reading this book again. What do I need to do to join the discussion?

    1. Hello Maria and welcome!
      There is nothing you need to do to join the discussion – just return to the blog this Sunday to read Ray’s post for the week. He offer a reflection on the scheduled reading and pose some questions for reflection.
      Blessings,
      Maureen
      Nouwen Legacy Manager

  5. Hopefully signing in from Toronto. I work mostly with RCIA inquirers, with the focus on meeting Jesus. Henri Nouwen is my favorite spiritual author and everytime I go to L’Arche Daybreak nearby where Henri lived, I think of him and the richness of the spirituality legacy he bequeathed to us.

  6. Good morning all,
    I am thrilled to be joining again (after the Lenten 2014 discussion) and ordered my book as soon as I received the email notice about this.
    I received my first Nouwen book “Making All things New” from Fr. Mike Depcik of the DeSales Order in Michigan. Fr. Mike is one of the large handful of Deaf priests and I am also Deaf. At the time (June 2007) I had just lost my husband of 15 years to a sudden heart attack and had gone to this location in Michigan for both work and a personal retreat. This very old battered copy of Making All Things New was in the lovely library and Fr. Mike said “take it.” So I did and it has become even more worn from my numerous readings. So uplifting – and led to my ongoing love and gratitude for Henri and all he gave to the world.
    I am in the Washington DC area. I am “not-so-retired” and spend my energy serving on a board related to deaf children and writing – I have two published books. I also enjoy many sports and spending time with loved ones, including my church family. I was raised in the Catholic Church and now attend one of those “new-fangled” non-denominational churches, which has a large number of Deaf members. It’s truly a wonderful church family.
    Hello to all,
    Gina

  7. I am looking forward to my first experience in joining a group . I have read several of Henri Nouwen’s books, and they have spoken to my heart.

    1. Vi, Thanks for participating us and we look forward to your contributions. We have started the discussion for June 29th to July 5th Gathering Together and Introductions. Please join us there where you are invited to introduce yourself to the group.
      Ray

  8. I love Henri Nouwen’s writings. His Prodigal Son helped me see I am very much like the eldest son. I’m excited to read this book and to be part of the discussion and this is my first discussion group.

  9. Thank you for offering this! For the past year Henri’s books have been my teacher and I look forward to learning and growing with all of you!

  10. Greetings!
    I am so excited about this book discussion. It is my absolute favorite book. I used for many years when I taught a course for new ministers. The life lessons and discussions that this book evoked were such a blessing. I will be following the book discussion with you closely.
    Warmly,
    Avis

    1. Avis,
      It’s great to that you will be participating and we look forward to your insights. We have opened the next post “June 29th to July 5th, Gathering Together and Introductions.” Please join us there.

  11. Thank you for the opportunity to re-read CYDTC? in the context of an online forum. I have never participated in the latter, but the book is how I first discovered Nouwen some years ago, during a church Lenten devotional study, where it was assigned. I later attended the “Turning the Wheel” conference at St Michaels College in Toronto commemorating the 10-year anniversary of Henri’s death, and have been a devotee since.

    I became aware of this study while choosing a Nouwen book as a comfort for a coworker who’s teenage son died (I picked “the Inner Voice of Love). I am a lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI and look forward to “meeting” and studying with you. God’s blessings!

    JTR

  12. I have read this book many times and each time is a meaningful journey. Beautiful book – glad it is up for reflection/discussion.

  13. I, also, am looking forward to this book discussion. God always leads you to where you need to go. I have been a daily reader of Henri’s Daily meditations. and I find that so far they have been just what I need. I am a searcher and usually I just don’t get it and feel frustrated but Henri seems to so get through to me.

    Blessings & Peace, Eileen TSSF

    1. Eileen,
      Glad that you will be joining your fellow searchers on this journey. Henri Nouwen’s prayer “Lord, show me where you want me to go and I will follow you, but please be clear and unambiguous about it!” is one that I have tried to make my own.
      Peace and all good,
      Ray

  14. My book arrived yesterday! yay! I can only imagine what is coming next. Honestly, I am a bit scared, so to speak. I have so much going on in my life right now and the title of the book has me thinking about Jesus exhaustion while he hung on the cross. At the same time, I have to smile because I have always been inspired, encouraged and have grown spiritually where I needed it.

    Onward!

    I am excited!

    1. Carol,
      Glad to kow that you will be joining us. Your enthusiasm is catching. I will admit that I am a bit scared as a first time facilitator following in Brynn’s footsteps. And I too am excited knowing, as St. Paul tells us, that the cup that we are asked to drink is “…the cup of blessing that we bless…” (1 Corinthians 10:16) and a participation in the life of Jesus. We begin gathering together with introductions on Sunday!
      Looking forward to sharing this journey with you and other summer pilgrims.
      Blessings,
      Ray

  15. At almost every Mass, especially during the most challenging times in life (like now with a spouse recently diagnosed terminal from having been what appeared healthy) ….. anyway, at Mass when the priest holds up the chalice of the blood of Christ I remember Henri’s excerpts and have to challenge myself with the question over and over, and it isn’t easy. Thank you for leading this discussion and thank you Maureen for inviting me, after getting my frantic email for prayers. May the Holy Spirit be hovering all of us as we pray and share together.

    1. Thank you for your poignant sharing and for joining us at this difficult time. I’m certain the Spirit will journey with us and I will keep you and your spouse in my prayers. And, as St. Francis would pray with those he met along the way, “May the Lord give you peace.”
      Blessings,
      Ray

      1. Thank you Ray. Having this community also journing with us gives strength. I think of Dana song at World Youth Day with JPII in Denver, “We are One Body, One Body in Christ”, We do not stand alone”… Your prayers for peace are paramount at this time. My other concern is to handle this as a true follower of Jesus Christ, especially in front of the “lukewarm”, as a witness to, “We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe”. G.

  16. A few years ago this book was helpful to me as I faced a difficult challenge. Looking forward to the discussion

  17. My book has arrived, and I’m looking forward to this book discussion of Henri Nouwen. This will be my first read of Henri Nouwen’s books. I first became aware of Nouwen’s writing (a few years ago during a previous bible study small group) from a reference to his story from the Jewish Talmud, The Wounded Healer, the author made. Interesting how God’s timing is always amazing. I found the Henri Nouwen Society’s site seeking bio information to answer questions put to me this time, “who is Henri Nouwen?” when I shared the story from the Jewish Talmud, The Wounded Healer, with a new group I am currently in. I signed up for the daily meditations and I was excited to discover this summer book discussion on “Can You Drink This Cup” a rich continuation of the meditations. Looking forward to reading Nouwen’s book, our discussions, and all that God has for each of us.

  18. Hello! I ordered the book last week, seems like the timing is right for this! I don’t know what I am in for this time around, but, everytime I have joined in a book discussion here, it has turned out to be absolutely just what I needed.

    Looking forward to participating!

  19. Bless you all at the Henri Nouwen Society! So good to be reading together again. I have the book. Thanks to Maureen and Ray for refreshing our souls during the Summer as well. Looking forward to it. Lata

  20. “Can You Drink This Cup” changed my life years ago after having Nouwen guide me years before. Cannot be with you on the 29th but will connect a few days later.

  21. Wow, just what I need tonight, a discussion on a book. I have this book along with so many of Henri Nowen’s books. Thank you Jesus. It has been a long time since I read it but I remember it was good. I get so much from Henri’s writing. I was led to the web site tonight by the Holy Spirit. I got so anxious at times and need to connect with something that will give me quiet meditation. I don’t know how yet but I know I was sent here tonight.

    1. Welcome Guillermo! There is no sign up for this discussion; just return to the blog on June 29th. Ray will post a welcome and an invitation to everyone to introduce themselves.
      Blessings,
      Maureen
      Henri Nouwen Society

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *