Martin Luther King, Jr dedicated his life to proclaiming the Good News of God’s justice and peace for all people. He lived during a time in which the political and economic systems in our country strongly benefitted those with most of the resources, especially those with light skin.

Then and now, even those who do not actively support unjust systems still benefit from the advantages those systems offer to certain groups of people. And those who benefit are less likely to notice injustice or actively work to diminish it. They might need a nudge to notice those who do not share their advantage.

Martin Luther King, Jr and all who pushed for equal voting rights, economic and social opportunities gave the quite costly nudge our country needed to increase equality and diminish injustice. That said, there is much room for further progress in equality for all minority groups based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as all living in poverty.

Justice and mercy are essential aspects of the nature of God and key to God’s presence. We receive grace and mercy, so that we may share it with all around us. Martin Luther King, Jr Day is a good day to compassionately serve either directly, or indirectly by donating to organizations which support social justice for minority groups, and for all. It is also a good day to read one of the Rev. Dr. King’s sermons which you can easily find online. May peace, mercy, and justice rise among us.