MLK: A Day of Remembrance

Today, we as Americans remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who thought of himself first and foremost of a minister and preacher.

The nation as a whole stops to remember the values that undergird our society, namely that all people are created equal and possess certain inalienable rights. Few nations are based on such principles. Today we stop to consider what that means, and we must remember that these values are rooted in Sacred Scripture.

Today’s appointed Epistle reading is taken from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:

I, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:1-16).

Two things.  First, we are made in God’s image. Second, God’s love is infinite; therefore, God loves everyone equally.

 

It makes no difference if one is rich or poor, short or tall, thin or a little plump, handsome or not so good looking, black or white, male or female, brilliant or not so smart, God loves each of us infinitely, and therefore, equally. On this day we as a nation remember the role that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. played in our nation’s history and in his preaching of the above, we should keep in mind what St. Paul says in his letter—make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let us pray: Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud, A Nerd

Today the Episcopal Church remembers William Laud who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633 to 1645 during the turbulent years of King Charles I. 

 

Alright, he was not very well liked; I’ll admit that. People considered him to be autocratic. The Puritans really did not like him.  Others thought he was a little bit too Catholic.  He was not a big fan of Calvinism and was considered to be a proponent of Arminianism (God’s sovereignty and human free will are compatible), and hold your breath, he was in favor of ecumenism. In short, Laud was a bit of a nerd.  Well, I am too, so I am rather partial to Archbishop Laud.

Archbishop Laud “was compassionate in his defense of the rights of the common people against the landowners. He was honest, devout, loyal to the king and to the rights and privileges of the Church of England. He tried to reform and protect the Church in accordance with his sincere convictions.” See https://gregorians.org/office/January 10, 2017.

Let us pray: Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servant William Laud, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.