Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Submitted on January 17, 2002

Send to friend National holidays are so often appreciated for the time off from work that their origin and purpose is neglected. Whether the nation is celebrating her birthday or remembering her important presidents, the focus is often on the freedom of the day and less so a reflection on why the nation has offered these holidays to us. This dynamic is true of the national holiday celebrating the life and accomplishment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While various organizations both civil and religious work to keep alive the legacy of Dr. King, too many people in our nation enjoy the holiday without reflecting on its deeper meaning. This is especially true for our young people, particularly those born after the death of Dr. King, who have not lived under the mantle of racial segregation, entrenched racism and the prolific violence that stemmed from these dehumanizing realities. Moreover, it is a widely accepted belief that the work of Dr. King is complete and that the national holiday only serves to heighten racial differences and not to foster unity. However the nation continues to suffer the effects of racism and prejudice. A national debate is being waged regarding racial profiling. Certain segments of law enforcement support this practice and cite decreased criminal activity as a legitimate reason for it. Yet such a practice continues to ostracize a significant portion of our nation based solely on the color of their skin. In light of the events of Sept. 11, peoples of Middle Eastern descent and origin have been the targets of harassment, discrimination and violence. Claims of justice and national security are used, by a few, as a cloak for a continuation of racial injustice. Moreover, our nation - and the culture that at times enlivens it - in so many other ways violates the dignity of the human person: systemic poverty, inadequate housing and education and the most severe injustice of all - abortion! In truth, the legacy of Dr. King is not just one of racial desegregation and economic equality. As a Christian, Dr. King understood that these were manifestations of the true justice that comes from Jesus Christ. As Archbishop Justin Rigali stated in his homily for the celebration of Dr. King: "The 'victory of justice' has long since been won by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection and yet it must still fully unfold in the lives of Christ's followers and all people of good will." It is confidence in this victory won by Christ on the Cross that gives us the strength and courage of conviction to work for the manifestations of this victory in our daily lives. Dr. King's courage, lived in the face of personal violence and his own untimely death, is rooted in this power that comes from Christ alone. Likewise, our ongoing and courageous work to establish the culture of life is rooted in the complete acceptance of Christ' victory once and for all over sin and death. Isaiah the prophet foretold a kingdom of peace and unity where the lion and the lamb would be at peace with each other. Today, Isaiah's vision is realized not only in racial harmony and economic justice, but also in a culture that values and supports the dignity of all humanity. Dr. King knew this to be true for it was his Christian faith that exhorted him to action. So too, Dr. King offered this vision to the nation to compel us to live fully our lives built on our true foundation - Christ's law of love rooted in justice and peace. As we celebrate the memory of Dr. King and enjoy the freedom of the day, let us remember why we as a nation celebrate. He sought Christ's justice for all God's people. Let us do the same!