21st Annual Archdiocesan Interfaith Prayer Service
Commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 7:30 PM
Saint Philomena Church
Cardinal Justin Rigali
Dear Friends:
It is an honor for me to celebrate this special occasion with members of the interfaith community. I wish to thank Father George Clements for his inspiring remarks today on the occasion of our remembrance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On January 20, 1986, America inaugurated its newest holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream of a nation and a world united as one human family regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnic culture or faith. Dr. King was a minister of peace and hope. He believed that all of God's people could live together in a spirit of respect and trust. His life and legacy are a powerful lesson for those of us who at times lose hope and become discouraged in this life.
To quote Martin Luther King: "The only way to change humanity is to first change ourselves. We must be
diligent to keep compassion, sensitivity and love at the center of our lives." (1) And again: "Along the way of life, someone must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate." (2)
Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of our modern heroes. He could have settled into a comfortable life as a family man and a Baptist preacher; instead, he put his convictions into action. Through his campaign of non-violent direct action, he changed society by raising awareness of the honor and dignity which are due all persons simply because they are human beings - - the handiwork of a loving Creator. In this he was influenced and inspired by the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Each year it becomes more evident that Dr. King was a prophetic, and that his words have stood the test of time, as all great words must. He was willing to give his life for what he believed. Indeed, he knew that any day his life could be forfeited because of the principles he espoused. He was human and he had human fear for his life, but he did not falter, he did not turn back. He led a committed life.
Martin Luther King celebrations multiply each year as good people from every corner of society come together to remind each other that there are so many good and wonderful men and women among every race and creed, and that there is so much hope for the future of the world - a world of true justice, peace and love.
Whether we are Latino, Asian or Caucasian, African American or Native American, we are part of the great dream that Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a people's holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the key to the fulfillment of his dream.
The celebration of this day to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. presents to all of us the opportunity to renew our commitments, to raise our consciousness about the gospel value of non-violence, justice and human solidarity, and to have another chance to REALIZE THE DREAM.
1. Address to the YMCA and YWCA at Berkley, 1957
2. "Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Circle", 1958