I came across an older J. Piana chalice (1), and I felt moved to rescue this grail cup which possessed strong simple lines and celtic banding, albeit beaten up and worse for wear. I liked the idea of restoring this chalice to its former glory so that it might once again be worthy of His Precious Blood. I must admit that I am a novice to the restoration of sacred vessels. I meticulously packed and shipped this treasure off into what one might call an Odyssey after researching which craftsman might best mend it. My chalice was received and expertly assessed. I was advised that 'the cup appeared to to be dangerously thin, out of round, compressed or pushed down onto the main neck of the chalice at some point in its life, the base plate was not removable and to not be surprised if the plater [refinisher] backs away from a perfect restoration...in short it was suggested that I simply place it on a shelf. At this point, I identified more than ever with this Eucharistic receptacle for Our Lord. I set a goal of restoring this symbol of my very own Hiramic Temple. I expanded my search and discovered a true, capable master craftsman undaunted by the task at hand, possessing superior talents right in his wheelhouse. In my quest, I learned that it was not enough to simply refinish the cup...It was necessary as Paracelsus said to recreate the calix (myself) by both replacing and forging a new cup. "Destruction perfects that which is good; for the good cannot appear on account of that which conceals it. The good is least good whilst it is thus concealed. The concealment must be removed so that the good may be able freely to appear in its own brightness (Paracelsus)."
The Tao tells us that we must empty our cup to have it filled by the Master and Eckhart Tolle tells us that some if not most must be 'crucified' to achieve true conciousness or salvation. The Gnostic 'Fifth' Gospel of Thomas Saying (89) parallels the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew and Luke regarding the Pharisaic concern with ritualistic washing or one's external appearance as expressed in Matthew (23:25-26) and Luke (11:39-41). Saying 89 is revealing - "Jesus said: Why do you wash the outside of the cup? Do you not understand that He who made the inside is also He who made the outside?" Hebrews 5:8-10 says, "Son though He was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what He suffered being made perfect." Obedience is a Gethsemane 'Surrender' or "Thy Will Be Done." Going a little farther, He fell with His Face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will (Matthew 26:39)." Our cup must be taken so that it can be replaced with a wellspring. I have only to 'Wait on the Lord' AND to say "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You but only say the Word and I shall be healed." This chalice, has for me, become a symbol or Sangreal of the Great Change I am undergoing having received the Great Seal of Pure Grace, the Sacrament of Episcopal Consecration, within the Holy Celtic Church for which I am truly grateful.
(1) Joseph Piana was a renowned Gold and Silversmith from the USA.
The Tao tells us that we must empty our cup to have it filled by the Master and Eckhart Tolle tells us that some if not most must be 'crucified' to achieve true conciousness or salvation. The Gnostic 'Fifth' Gospel of Thomas Saying (89) parallels the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew and Luke regarding the Pharisaic concern with ritualistic washing or one's external appearance as expressed in Matthew (23:25-26) and Luke (11:39-41). Saying 89 is revealing - "Jesus said: Why do you wash the outside of the cup? Do you not understand that He who made the inside is also He who made the outside?" Hebrews 5:8-10 says, "Son though He was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what He suffered being made perfect." Obedience is a Gethsemane 'Surrender' or "Thy Will Be Done." Going a little farther, He fell with His Face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will (Matthew 26:39)." Our cup must be taken so that it can be replaced with a wellspring. I have only to 'Wait on the Lord' AND to say "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You but only say the Word and I shall be healed." This chalice, has for me, become a symbol or Sangreal of the Great Change I am undergoing having received the Great Seal of Pure Grace, the Sacrament of Episcopal Consecration, within the Holy Celtic Church for which I am truly grateful.
(1) Joseph Piana was a renowned Gold and Silversmith from the USA.
Thank you for sharing Bishop Morgan. It's a beautiful chalice and I am sure we all look forward to seeing another photo when it is fully restored. (A.H.B.)
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