MEDITATION: The Message of the Butterfly

And God looked at everything which He had made, and it was very good (Gen 1:31).
Last week the Centre facilitated a meeting between the ever-colourful Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a number of South African business leaders. It took the form of a late brunch at the very scenic Tokara Deli near Stellenbosch.
The Bishop, as we have come to expect, is at his best.  He recalls one humorous anecdote after the other, even enacting some of his stories. The audience really enjoys what it hears. But the address also takes a more serious turn. Tutu starts sharing truths and perspectives that are vital for our context. His talk becomes a personal testimony.
He reminds his listeners of the goodness of life, life which has its source in the bounteous generosity of a loving God. In this regard he also testifies to his own experience of and dedication to what he calls the unashamed preference of the biblical God – a God who always identifies with and favours those who are poor, forgotten, oppressed and lost.  He points to the meaning this has for ourselves and for our relationships with others – if only we can believe this, and can follow the example of Jesus in this regard.  Our example is of one who left ninety nine of his flock to seek the one that was lost.
The Bishop appeals to his audience not to forget or neglect the inspiring, often allegoric, stories of the Bible with which they grew up.  “You should read your Bible, people”, he calls out.
Towards the end of his talk, just before his final words, a white butterfly appears in the space right above his head, almost like in a fairy tale – delicate, luminous wings moving softly against the contours of a solid wall.

I look up in wonder at this unexpected visitor. It may be purely coincidental, but then what a coincidence!

It is almost as if the fortuitous and unforeseen appearance of the butterfly crowns the day. It reminds us of our own vulnerability in a bountiful, but fragile and troubled land. It also reminds of new life and new possibilities, regardless of who and where we are.

The butterfly becomes a living symbol of what Bishop Tutu wanted to convey.

Carel Anthonissen

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