“Then will your light shine like the dawn” (Isaiah 58.8)
“How would you like to be remembered?” the interviewer asked her guest. I recall this question being asked of someone. There was a long pause as the guest seemed to go back in his mind over a long career. The guest was Archbishop Desmond Tutu who smiled then replied “ How should people remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu”? He said …….
“He loved, He laughed, He cried.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away in December 2021, was a great Archbishop. A person who through his life put faith into action. A man who radiated God’s love and spoke up for the oppressed.
The television interview was about the Archbishop’s life – from the poverty of his early days – to his life as a clergyman in London – to his days in South Africa and his people’s struggle.
It showed his passionate love for people’s struggle against apartheid. It showed his love for people, his sense of humour even in the dark days, and his tears of compassion as he listened to people’s suffering.
Isaiah the prophet from where those words I quoted above come reminds us that true service of God is not about being religiously correct. It is about how we treat one another. Isaiah calls us to break unjust fetters and let the oppressed go free; to share our bread with the hungry and shelter those who are poor and homeless; to clothe the naked and never turn away from people.
Jesus also reminded the Pharisees that religious observances, disconnected with what is happening in the world are pointless. The time to feast and the time to fast must be in harmony with our fellow human beings. There is a time for every purpose under heaven. There is a time for love, for laughter and for tears. Archbishop Tutu has spoken for us all.
“He loved. He laughed. He cried”
Words to reflect on as we begin the Season of Lent
“Father in heaven help us always to relate in love to our brothers and sisters. May our daily lives bring freedom to others and so give you glory”
With Every Blessing
Peter