As we honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us focus on his call for racial equality and justice for all, while remembering his lessons of peace and non-violence. His message of peaceful resolution to conflict reflects the words of Jesus in the beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
As our nation – and our world – struggles with conflict, division and injustice, let us also recall what Pope Francis said in his own Prayer for Peace: “Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister.” Let us imitate Dr. King, who courageously committed his life to forging peace and equality, and recommit ourselves to the Gospel message of love, mutual respect and the dignity of all human life.
Please join me today in praying for the dream of Dr. King to be realized – that together as brothers and sisters and as children of God, we might build a community of unity, hope and justice that will lead us to lasting peace.