Wednesday church sermon. 6pm.
PASTOR BANDA: Ladies and gentlemen, sisters, and brothers in faith. Today, I stand before you to address a topic that has been an unfortunate part of the human journey throughout history- which is adultery. We must reflect on this matter with open hearts and minds, seeking understanding and guidance from the teachings of our faith. Adultery is the ultimate betrayal of the sacred bond between two souls united in marriage, it is a painful reality that has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals but also their families, communities, and our spiritual connection with God.
(Church elders nodding their heads in agreement)
PASTOR BANDA: (Looking in Stella’s direction) The Scriptures remind us that marriage is a divine covenant, a union set up by God Himself. It reflects the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. (Looking in Natasha’s direction) When this sacred covenant is violated through adultery, it wounds the very essence of the relationship, causing a ripple effect of pain and brokenness that extends beyond the immediate participants, it breaks families apart, destabilizes children’s lives, and initiates spiritual warfare.
ELDERS: (In unison) Amen!
MR NXUMALO: (Passionately) Say it again, pastor!
PASTOR BANDA: On the other hand, we look at adultery in the rear-view mirror when we deal with murder. The gruesome and evil act of taking a life is unfathomable, yet another one of the commandments that the holy book reminds us to stay clear of. Before we delve into this somber theme, let us have a moment of silence for our beloved, Mlungisi, who passed on too young with missed opportunities and a bright future ahead of him.
DETECTIVE MASHABA: (Walking in through the front door) Apologies for the disturbance everyone, please do not be alarmed.
(Mumbling in the congregation)
PASTOR BANDA: Detective?
DETECTIVE: We unfortunately have to cut your service short as our prime suspect is in attendance at this service.
NATASHA: (Looking over at Stella, mouthing “run”)
STELLA: (Shaking her head and walking up to the pastor) What do you mean detective?
DETECTIVE MASHABA: We have a warrant for the arrest of-
PASTOR BANDA: Detective, can we not do this another time?
NATASHA: (On the edge of her seat, positioning her body towards the back door to run out)
DETECTIVE: Unfortunately, not, we are the officers of the law, and this cannot wait. Bandile Nxumalo…
(Gasps from the congregation)
DETECTIVE: You are under arrest for the murder of Mlungisi Shongwe.
BANDILE: (Shocked) What? I did not-
DETECTIVE: You have the right to remain silent as anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
MR NXUMALO: What is this tomfoolery?!
DETECTIVE: (Putting handcuffs on Bandile) Mr. Nxumalo I recommend you get your son a good lawyer and follow us to the station.
BANDILE: (Crying hysterically) Dad! I did not-
MR NXUMALO: I know you did not! The entire police department is incompetent. My son is innocent! My son is innocent! Banda! Tell them, tell them my son is innocent! (Angrily) What evidence do you have to arrest my son? This is unlawful!
DETECTIVE: New information as brought to light on social media, that’s all I can tell you right now. You will have to follow us to the police station for clarity.
BANDILE: (Continues crying as officers drag him away) Dad! I did not do it!
DETECTIVE: I would recommend that you do not resist. Mr. Nxumalo, meet us at the police station, please.
MR NXUMALO: Banda! Say something, tell them he is innocent.
(Mumbling in the congregation)
PASTOR BANDA: (Stuttering and stammering) Beloved… We will… May everyone please head home for today… We will communicate when we have our next session