Martin Luther King, Jr Day 2026
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 6:27–36Today is a national holiday celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He said yes to God and became the voice of freedom and equality until his life was cut short by someone who hated him and what he spoke of. He spoke of love, despite all of the hate, the racism, the gross miscarriages of justice that is the United States. It was then and is now. Our government decided to hate immigrants and now all people of color are afraid as they might be mistaken for an "illegal" immigrant. I have an Ojibwe friend who was stopped by ICE this past week. These terrors can make us all angry and rise to hating others. Martin reminds us that we need to up our game on love, actively serving and giving to those who need our help as well as protecting those who are most vulnerable. Today, may we do all the love things we can, honoring Martin and Coretta and all the freedom fighters who came before. changing the world for good, bit by bit.
A Litany for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Loving Creator, you give us hearts of compassion
so we see those who need our help and respond.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
You have given us hands and minds that can change laws
help us to raise our voices so that your love can be heard.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
You have given us bodies that can march and serve
Help us stand with the immigrants and the most vulnerable.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
You have made us for love, and made us one people
Help us to see everyone as members of one family.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
You have put your light within each and every one of us
Help us shine so the road to freedom is always bright.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
You lift us up when the burdens become too great
Help us to spread you healing and freedom wherever we are.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors.
Free us from arrogance, pride, and all the sins we have
so we might be free to love as you laid down your life for us all.
Lord Jesus, let your love and freedom ring as we love our neighbors. Amen.
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