LESSONS FROM A NATIONAL HERO
I came across these quotes as I was preparing for the Mass
for the Preservation of Peace and Justice which we celebrated on the public
holiday in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.
All of us who are concerned for the advancement of truth and justice in
our society can learn from him.
"I have a
dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they
will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their
character. I have a dream today."
The formation of children ought to be centered on forming
their character, not in helping them to decide who they are. A person of good character puts others before
himself or herself. Such a person is
kind, gentle, grateful, and generous. Such
a person does not collapse and surrender in the face of adversity. Someone of good character is more interested
in justice than in self-aggrandizement. May
we teach this to our young people by our word and example.
"The
ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Truer words were never spoken by a minister of the
gospel. Wealth, looks, education, and
skills are desirable, but our true selves are proven when we are tested. Good people are good when things are going
well and when things are going bad.
"Keep
feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first.
But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral
excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity.”
This is a characteristic of a follower of Christ.
To want to be successful, and to be willing to work towards it. But never at the expense of being loving,
upright, and generous with my time, talent and treasure. Jesus said, “So the last will be first, and
the first will be last” (Mat 20:16).
“I have decided
to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
“Let us not seek
to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and
hatred.”
“Darkness cannot
drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only
love can do that.”
Whatever good cause we promote, we must do it
with charity. We must be moved by
charity and act in charity. We must not allow ourselves to lose control
because of anger. We are taught, “Be
angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no
opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Especially when our cause is righteous!
The next one is for the ages. Would that we always would live it. Then there would be no war or violence.
“Forgiveness is
not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude.”
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