That's not the cup of a carpenter

Valencia Cathedral grail

A few years ago, my mother-in-law took the family to Benidorm. While there, Spot and I took a trip to Valencia and visited the cathedral.

Prior to visiting the cathedral,we we're aware they claim to own the Holy Grail, or Holy Chalice of the Lord's Supper, as they like to refer to it. Their take on the history/archeological evidence for this really being the grail can be read here.

Now, I'm a cynic. Not just with this, but with a lot of relics - if all the bits of the "true cross" or nails which were used in Jesus' crucifixion were gathered together, the Romans would have used an entire iron mine for the nails and enough wood to built at least one house! That said, from the evidence, at least the cup appears to be from the correct period (though, just to add my cynicism, it's unlikely Valencia cathedral would publish a report which contradicted the age of the artifact).

Part of me thinks it's pretty, but I'm a bit more in the Indiana Jones camp on this one. Does it really matter, though? What's important is how it item is used and perceived. If it's venerated for (allegedly) being used at the Last Supper, then maybe it's breaking the second commandment. That, for me, is my major stumbling block over any of these type of relics and artifacts, though that just as easily be the presbyterian in me coming out!

Whatever the cap was used for and who ever used it, we will probably never know. It's pretty certain it getting the Valencia and being delared the true grail may not have been done on friendly terms with the previous owners and would have been (and still is, I'd have thought) a great draw for pilgrimage. Basically, getting it would have been all about generating money, money which wasn't necessarily be used for noble causes...

Focusing on God is our most important aim, as Christians. If we loose sight of that, by venerating objects, they we loose our way. As we loose our way, the Good News is not shared. Then our duty, as Christians, is neglected. There are things other than this item which can get in the way of God. Life's issues, love of wealth and status, cliques within the church excluding people. All of those things, I'm sure, makes God sad. I know I don't get it right, but with God's grace, love and guidance, I pray I can be better and better following him.