King

Yes, I am very aware that I haven't posted in a week.  Time moves rather quickly.  I apologize to those of you who faithfully check.

Today, January 20, 2025, we celebrated the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  King was outspoken in advocating for civil rights for every person regardless of the color of a person's skin.  To say he was a man way ahead of his time is an understatement.  Generations of African Americans were simply mistreated and looked upon as second-class citizens, a viewpoint that was very high during the days of the Civil War.  It took a long, long time for an African American the caliber of Dr. King to make even a little progress in a time when prejudice was still high.  In the early hours of April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated in Selma, Alabama.

His most well-known phrase that could actually sum up his life was "I have a dream."  His oration of that speech was powerful, filled with the Holy Spirit.  He was a modern-day prophet.  If we look at various prophets in the Bible -- for example, Elijah, Elisha, or John the Baptist -- I believe Dr. King had that same fire within.  For someone who likely had to endure the jeers and prejudice in his lifetime, he overcame in a big way.  Because of his example, others followed in that same fire, seeking unity and not division amongst races.

Despite all of his efforts, ending the sin of racism is still a long way off.  Children today are likely to be raised with more than merely tolerance of other races.  They have been growing up alongside and among children that don't "resemble" them.  What I see as hopeful is when the young people in kindergarten or first grade simply enjoy running around and playing together.  Sadly, that innocence diminishes along the way and something in our perception changes in terms of others.  Did it ever NEED to happen that way?  Of course not.

Now, in our current days, there are still many people advocating for fair treatment for every person.  The issues sound different than when Dr. King fought for mankind, but they are not.  That unity of all people is hinted at in some of the prayers we can use at Mass.

I pray that some of these thoughts touch your mind and heart.  It's not a ton of details, but just maybe pray a little more after you read this.  We need to begin somewhere.