Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

Today we celebrate the national holiday dedicated to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We honor his legacy of service to the underserved in many places of our country by offering a day of service to others. We remember his work to end injustice, his lifetime cause. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail he said, “We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.” We have opportunities at Felician Village to participate in service to our community throughout the year, to promote the will of God. Soon we will be offering our gifts through the Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive. It is one small way that we can live out the sacred heritage of our nation, caring for those who are less fortunate.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” As we consider his legacy on this day, we can consider in what ways, both large and small, that we can offer ourselves to work toward the elimination of injustice by treating each person with a recognition of their human dignity. 

God of justice and peace, we give thanks for the life and witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
who spoke truth with courage and walked the path of love in the face of injustice.

Inspired by Franciscan spirituality, teach us to walk humbly, to recognize Your presence in every person, and to serve with compassion, patience, and hope.

May Dr. King’s dream of justice, dignity, and peace continue to guide our words, our actions, and our care for one another. Make us instruments of Your peace, so that love may overcome fear
and unity may grow where there is division.

Blessed Angela: “Look at everything with the eyes of faith and accept everything as coming from God.”