Many aspects of the Abbey service hit the spot – not least the rhythmic singing of the Soweto Gospel Choir, the beautiful prayers led by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and the down to earth and humorous tribute by veteran Anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain.
However, for me, the most poignant moment was the splendid and grace-filled sermon of Desmond Tutu. After so many words already spoken at the service I wondered what more this iconic prelate could say as his small, slightly crouching body ascended the pulpit. I need not have been concerned!
The former Archbishop of Cape Town chided the politicians of the past who stood on the sidelines whilst South Africa struggled and thanked – and no one says ‘thank you’ more sincerely than Desmond Tutu – thanked all those ordinary people who through the 70’s and 80’s and early 90’s campaigned for a totally politically inclusive South Africa.
Yet the thrust of his tribute – which by now was very much a sermon – was the theme that although Mandela entered his prison years as an angry young man he emerged from them magnanimous – a leader ready to exemplify and strive for ‘reconciliation’. This was the style of Madiba’s Presidency and Tutu’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission – all part of the story why South Africa has become a Rainbow Nation rather than an institutionally divided one.
With his eyes closed and his voice now no more than a whisper, this gracious servant of God, Desmond Tutu, concluded his wonderful sermon by reminding us that every single person on earth has the capacity for GOODNESS.
I love sermons! I love the power, gentleness, provocation and encouragement that words can bring! I love the touch of The Spirit on them and their ability to move us to both celebrate and strive for all that is best about living and loving.
So today, on this first day of Lent, I give thanks to God for the life of President Mandela and the words of Archbishop Tutu – both touching our hearts with the love and grace of God.
With best wishes,
Ian
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