My Three Minutes with Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Unforgettable)

Yesterday on this Blog and on Facebook I reported on the visit of Archbishop Tutu to my Dentist in Cambridge, MA.


See this  https://jmichaelpovey-retiredpoveinsarasota.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-archbishop-tutu-met-my-dentist-1.html


Whilst Archbishop Desmond and his wife Leah were at the Episcopal Divinity  School I had occasion to be there to have lunch with my friend and colleague the Revd. Andrew McGowan.

He was then a Priest Associate at St. James's Cambridge, MA where I was the Rector.  More importantly he was the Associate Professor of Early Christian History at E.D.S.

As Andrew and I shared lunch, Archbishop Tutu wandered into the Refectory.

"Andrew", I said, "would it be gauche of me to ask you to introduce me to the Archbishop?"

No sooner said than done, Andrew introduced me to the Archbishop. 

I was not there for small talk. I was there for blessing.  Just as Elisha asked that some of Elijah's spirit would be given to him, so I dared to hope that I would receive a portion of his spirit from the great and courageous Archbishop.

I dropped to my knees in the Refectory.  Archbishop Tutu placed his holy hands on my head and pronounced a blessing.

I stood up.  Now I get to the teary eyed bit.  No sooner was I on my feet than Bishop Tutu knelt down, and asked me to bless him in God's name.

OH MY GOODNESS.  I am weeping even as I write this blog. Who can imagine the spiritual power of a blessing at the holy hands of Archbishop Tutu;  and his request for my words of blessing.

Gotta stop now.  I can scarcely see my computer keys through my tears.  For sure.

This simple coffin for Desmond Tutu's funeral illustrates the power of his genuine humility.

 






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