Scriptural Basis
Luke 6:27-36
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Blog Post
Today in cities all across the United States, middle class and low income families will be marching in memory of where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated 43 years ago. We will remember that while fighting the issue of racism and segregation, Martin Luther King also marched with Public Workers who were garbage collectors. King understood as we need to understand today, that if we are going to speak up and act in the cause of justice and equality for one group of people who face marginalization and discrimination, we must be willing to join others in the same cause.
Racism and heterosexism continue to dominate our society and the Church in ways that many prefer to ignore. Just as many turn the other way and ignore things like LGBT youth committing suicide due to bullying in their schools, families and communities, so many Americans including LGBT are looking away from racism and gender exclusion, the issue of working class America being bombarded day in and day out by the Corporate States of America, with the news that their working wages and collective bargaining rights are up for grabs.
To ignore the issue of racism and the issues the individuals of different races, classes, religions, working and/or economic class discrimination, gender bias, bias against Native Americans, the poor and disenfranchised and the list goes on and on, is to ignore the same issues that LGBT people face as well.
In the Gospel for today, Jesus reminds us that we are to love those who hate us. We cannot love those who hate us, if we do not act on behalf of others who are stigmatized because of the color of their skin. To love our enemies means we do our very best to help them understand why their prejudices and choices to pretend like there is no racial or gender issue, is such a crime against humanity.
Whether we are marching or sitting at home because of family or personal reasons, let us all take a moment today to give thanks to God for the example of someone like Martin Luther King. Let us also be thankful for the work of LGBT activists and others who have given of themselves to the point of shedding their blood so that justice, inclusion and equality may advance for the marginalized of society and the Church.
Prayers
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 your prophet Martin Luther King, 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. (Prayer for Martin Luther King. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, page 307).
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