Msimangu's sermon lifts Kumalo's spirits and he is at
peace once again.
Kumalo has come to Johannesburg, where he
has found his sister living as a prostitute. He has also learned that his long-lost son
Absalom has been involved in a crime which has resulted in the death of a white man.
Kumalo, a priest, is devastated, and, in his despair, is "little inclined for speech,
and show(s) little interest in anything about him." He wonders where he and his wife
have failed, that their son should have come to such a state. After reflecting for
awhile, Kumalo concludes that it is not Absalom's upbringing that has brought him to
grief. The problem is bigger than that; the land can no longer sustain the people, and
the young men and women have little choice but to leave their tribal home for the city,
where there is perhaps opportunity, but also great potential for ruin. Kumalo is forced
to admit that "the tribe (is) broken, and (will) be mended no
more."
When Msimangu begins to read from the Bible and
speak, Kumalo knows he is speaking to him. Msimangu speaks of a God who is faithful, and
will keep His promise to renew the strength of "they that wait upon the Lord." Kumalo
listens closely to what Msimangu is saying, and he is comforted. When the sermon is
over, Kumalo goes to Msimangu and says, "Brother, I am recovered" (Chapter
13).
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