United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) President Archbishop Paul Coakley explained in a reflection ahead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, how the Church can follow the activist’s example of fighting for justice and peace.
The archbishop called to mind King’s sermon “Drum Major Instinct,” in which King said, “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”
Archbishop Coakley asked: What does it mean to be a “drum major” in one’s own community?
“Dr. King’s sermon encouraged people to be leaders in the priorities that Christ gave us: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison,” the archbishop wrote. “Through the social service and charitable ministries of the Catholic Church, we strive to embody the Gospel mandate at the local and community levels.”
It is just as important, he added, for the Church to help the faithful to help live out the call to serve as Christ served. He noted that the USCCB has recently issued guidelines on immigration and the Church’s teaching against racism that are designed to help the faithful live out the Church’s teachings on justice.
“I encourage you to take time to reflect on how the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to join with others in addressing challenges within our families, neighborhoods, or communities,” Archbishop Coakley concluded. “May we lead the way in building a society rooted in justice, peace, righteousness, and the dignity of every human person.”
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