Drink This Cup

Drink This Cup, originally uploaded by Laurence Barber.

I am aware of the cup of suffering all Kenya is experiencing at this moment, due to a violent and split election result, with rigging and fraud no doubt figuring in the results. Slums like Kibera and Mathare have erupted, in Nairobi, as well as dissent and disatisfaction as expressed by violence elsewhere and throughout the nation. Innocent people are losing their lives - much of the violence being carried out along tribal lines.

I worry for friends, in the midst of the reality of such turmoil, burning, pillaging and other acts of violence.

It reminds me of a visit to the Iona Community at Iona Abbey, Scotland. There, as depicted on one of the cloister columns, a black man is drinking of the Communion Cup. That Cup is a cup of suffering, taking solidarity in and with the Christ who died for us.

May the Saviour , who suffered - and suffers, also in solidarity with us all, bring His comfort, purpose and shalom. May God's peace and prosperity come to this troubled nation, and also to all of the Horn of Africa and, indeed, to all the peoples of that warm but troubled continent.

Blue Boat

Sometimes it's great to not have to be anywhere on any particular schedule. Just to relax, rest and gently meander on the ripples and tide of one's moorings . . .