In looking back on the prayers I have shared at past Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday commemorations in previous years, I came across this quote from Dr. King’s speech that he delivered on April 4, 1967, one year to the day before he was assassinated. In his speech entitled, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” he said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of NOW. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect….We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation. This may well be our last chance to choose between chaos and community. We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for peace . . . and justice throughout the developing world — a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act we shall surely be dragged down the long dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight. Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter— but beautiful — struggle for a new world.”
I was thinking about what Dr. King might call for an end for today
And what he would want NOW.
He would want an end to voter suppression – NOW.
He would want a campaign of love to combat hatred – NOW.
He would want us to take opportunities to share our stories with one another so that we can overcome division and fear – NOW.
He would want better education for our children from their pre-school years and greater accessibility to higher education - NOW.
He want out our honesty and sincerity, and a full heart, for loving our neighbor and welcoming the stranger – NOW.
He would want a return to the teaching that the life of every human being in this world is sacred – NOW.
There is always more to do.
Judaism teaches – you are not required to complete the work, but neither are you free to neglect it.
So let’s keep working – individually and together – so that we can move closer to creating that NEW WORLD. Let’s never give up hope and let’s start NOW.
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