Today, as our nation celebrates the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of his life and to recommit ourselves to the Gospel message he preached; that the sin of racism can be defeated by active love and the light of faith.
Pope Francis, in his 2019 World Day of Peace message said, “Today more than ever, our societies need ‘artisans of peace’ who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the Father, who wills the good and the happiness of the human family. Clearly, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was just such an artisan of peace. His message of peace and non-violence, racial equality and justice for all remains for us an inspiration that guides us to continually work toward building bridges, fostering positive relationships and forging pathways to peace.
This year, as we again mark the anniversary of his life, let us use this day as an opportunity to prayerfully reflect and actively engage in our own personal progress in defeating the sin of racism, walking together in solidarity and upholding the dignity of all people by the way we care for each other, always remembering the legacy of Dr. King.