"An so we've wrestled the cup out of Jesus's hand, and we've replaced it with a chalice, because who doesn't know that a chalice is more sacred than a cup? Never mind that Jesus didn't use a chalice, because if it's gold-plated and jewel-encrusted, it is more sacred." - Gregory Boyle
I don't know if I accept this without qualification. I can see a scenario in which love motivates the giving of the chalice into the hand of Jesus, not because it is more sacred, but because the crafting and purchase of it would have entailed sacrifices on the part of the followers. Is it so bad to wish to give something beautiful? I will not give offerings that cost me nothing.
But I think there is a lovely, quiet nugget of truth in the statement, which is that the humble everyday can be sacred. It does not take great gifts or great lengths to find the sacred into our lives. We can cherish what is small too: the blessings that don't cast a large shadow except in our hearts, the moments of generosity in friendship, the beauty of the natural and the mundane (taking a moment to give thanks for so much that we have the privilege to experience). The humble becomes sacred in how it is used, with gratitude, generosity, compassion, and love. And, since Boyle mentioned it, the same is true of the chalice.
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