The Book of Joy is based on an interview with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. There’s was an odd friendship. On the one hand you have a leader in the Anglican Church and on the other spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhist community. One grew up in poverty, the other in a palace. Their lives were different in many ways and yet, they were the best of friends.
Tutu has since died. Still, it could be argued that the friendship continues in some way. This was a friendship founded on a deep, shared respect for the wisdom, compassion, strength, and spirituality through which each experienced and engaged in the challenges of their lives. Desmond Tutu was a key figure in apartheid South Africa and went on to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Dalai Lama lives in exile because of the Chinese occupation of Tibet and continues to share his wisdom and spirituality with the world. Each talks the talk and walks the walk. They also share a mischievous sense of humour, hence the conversation about joy.
There is much that is compelling in The Book of Joy. I recommend everyone read it or at least watch segment on The Passionate Eye that is still available on CBC Gem. Among the stories highlighted, there was a moment in which each of the men shared a glimpse of their spiritual practices. The Dalai Lama brought Tutu into his meditation room – something rarely seen by others and Archbishop Desmond Tutu shared Communion with the Dalai Lama. There is something truly profound in opening sacred rituals and practices to others who are willing to humbly engage alongside.
John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’
John knows that he is not worthy to baptise Jesus. He knows his place in this dynamic. He is the voice in the wilderness. Jesus is the Messiah. Yet, Jesus comes to John to participate in the rituals created for that ministry. As he did at his birth, being born to simple parents, away from home, in questionable circumstances, Jesus humbly talks the talk and walks the walk and thus reveals that there can be grace, hope, and love in participating rituals because one recognises the gifts of the people involved.
We understand sacraments as outward and visible signs of an inward and invisible grace. Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Reconciliation, and Anointing are practiced as rituals with outward and visible signs like the water, oil, and light we use in baptism. Those signs are meant to point to something deeper and more profound. Each sacrament is meant to be experienced in relationship to our community and to God. Each creates opportunities to show love and respect for one another, God, and all of creation. While there are rules around each sacrament, there is also a recognition that the Holy Spirit works in and through each of these.
There are those who may cringe at the idea that the Dalai Lama received Communion. There is a reason we say ‘all baptised Christians are welcome to receive from this, the Lord’s table’. This is a sacred practice for us. There is also the fact that Buddhist monks are not supposed to drink alcohol. His participation would have gone against both systems of belief. Still, his friend, knowing the deep respect shared and the depth of the Dalai Lama’s spirituality created space for the Holy Spirit to move in and through this sacrament and these friends. Tutu trusted what he knew about his friend and included him. Out of profound respect, the Dalai Lama responded humbly. He accepted the bread and even dipped his finger in the wine and touched it to his lips.
Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and invisible graces. The mutual respect and humility shown as Tutu and the Dalai Lama participated in each other’s sacred practices is a profound grace. It shows that it is possible to be loving and inclusive in ways that matter. The sharing of Communion between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama became a true embodiment of community, a coming together in love!
Perhaps this is the same point that is made as Jesus enters the waters with John. The outward and visible sign of that moment pointed to an even more profound inward and invisible grace. In these two men, there was a sign of humility and love. In them, there was respect for the gifts each brought to this moment. In them, there was a reminder that all that we do is pointed towards how we embody love in our relationships with each other and God.
Today, as we worship together in this space at this time, we are called to walk humbly in God’s presence in Word and sacrament. How will we embrace the outward and visible signs of this journey? In what ways will this help point us towards the inward and invisible graces God continues to make present for us? What joy will enter our hearts as we seek to walk the walk and talk the talk?
In our desire to engage in relationship humbly and joyfully with God, one another, and the world around us, let us pray as we sing: 418 Draw the Circle Wide