Honoring The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27–36

I learned of Dr. King as a small child. My minister father was involved early on in racial justice and inclusion. As he had an interracial marriage and mixed race children, I think he felt moved to be involved. His time as a Navy Chaplain overseas also exposed him to many peoples and cultures and he embraced them all. We regularly attended a neighboring black church and there one time met Dr. King. We memorized parts of his speeches. My Dad and our family watched in horror when the new was broadcast about his assassination. Despite all of the challenges he faced, the hate, the discrimination, the jailing and the abuse, Dr. King never forgot that he was working for a world where his children and his children's children would be "judged by the content of their character." May we humbly following in his footsteps, help make that dream a reality in our time.

Marvelous Creator, you brought us Dr. King

to open our eyes and hearts to all the people

to walk the way of nonviolence and peace

and to show the world your love conquers hate.

We have failed to live up to your dreams

and we have failed to bring Sr. King's dream alive

yet you are still moving with love among us

and will turn hearts and minds to compassion.

Make us the instruments of you peace and love

let us never keep silent in the face of oppression

help us to work for a equality and inclusion

so your love might flourish here once again. Amen.