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The Cup of Water

The cup of water
in the name of Christ
revives the body
and the soul.

Without the cup
the water
cannot be given.

Without the water
the cup
is empty mockery.

Without Christ
the body's thirst alone
is quenched.

In Christ's name
the sharing is of love.

Just as the water
needs the cup,
so the giving needs to be
contained and borne
in Christian love.

Just as the cup
needs the water,
so there is
unreality and emptiness
to our loving -
it cannot reach the soul -
unless it sees
the body's need.

Lord, help me
to give the cup of water
in your name.


© Peter J Blackburn 1969
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