Last week the funeral for Representative John Lewis occurred in Atlanta. He was a Civil Rights Leader as well as a politician. A few days before he died John Lewis wrote an article that ran in the New York Times. He talked about his introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Like so many young people today I was searching…and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice…each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”
“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.”
Representative Lewis was known as the conscience of Congress. His words and actions over a lifetime serve as a conscience for us still.
Missionary Plan of Cooperation
Every year we invite a missionary priest to talk about his work in the missions. A collection would then be taken up to support his work and the work of his community in the missions. This year we were not able to have a priest come to us, but there is still the need to help those who work in the missions. Last weekend we had a collection for this cause. If you were not here or unable to contribute, it is not too late for you to respond. You may either give online or you can send a contribution to the parish office.
You can find this week's Prayers of the Faithful here.
Fr. Mike
