Justice, Righteousness and Martin Luther King, Jr!

"Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children"

~Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.~

 

"True heroes make us better by challenging our misplaced priorities, 

expanding our vision of a better world, and inspiring us to pursue the vision.

Martin Luther King did that for me and countless others, 

and he continues to be one of my heroes."

~United Methodist Retired Bishop Kenneth L. Carder~ 

Read Bishop Carder's Reflection on the Ministry with* the Poor Blog

"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

The Prophet Amos (5:24)

When I think of Martin Luther King, Jr. I immediately think of these words of Amos and the vivid and powerful imagery they represent.  Dr. King quoted these prophetic words, among others in his Letter from Birmingham Jail dated 16 April 1963 addressed to his fellow clergymen.  It is a beautiful, long and poignant letter that challenges me with every reading, especially now as I am a clergywoman.  

I am challenged to deepen my love of others and to allow that love to move me to action born of extreme love.   Dr. King poses the rhetorical question: Was not Jesus an "extremist" for love?    Personally, I have never liked the word "extremist" because it made me fearful of being overwhelmed by something I could not control.   That has never been more true than today.   As I ponder this deeper call to love and non-violence, I wonder ... am I strong enough to let God's love fill me to the point of "extreme!"

Trembling I realize that love and non-violence requires letting go of control, consciously giving control over to others, and praying fervently, fearfully, and strongly "that justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."