The Gospel Reading for Sunday, January 30, 2011 is Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes which begin Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Read Chapters 5-7 for “the rest of the story.). Perhaps you remember some of them? Several come to my mind immediately: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”; “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Some interpreters have called them the “Be Attitudes”.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pastor well-versed in the teachings of Jesus, developed a standard for those who would participate in acts of civil disobedience (sit-ins, marches, etc.). His “Pledge” standards are still a wonderful, contemporary extension of Jesus’ Beatitudes and the moral imperatives of the Sermon on the Mount (although in 1963 he referred to them as “Ten Commandments”). Consider these mandates as they apply to our personal lives and our life together as the church:
1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory.
3. WALK and TALK in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. PRAY daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5. SACRIFICE personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6. OBSERVE with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. SEEK to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. REFRAIN from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9. STRIVE to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. FOLLOW the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.
Jesus calls us to new life – life “marked” by an attitude of transcendent blessing. John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer caused us to say, “I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.” Dr. King translated these convictions into a summons to follow in the footsteps of Christ – even when (especially when!) you face the profoundly difficult challenges of life.
Dr. King’s “Pledge Card” invited participants to sign their names below this statement: “I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.” I hope that Jesus, John, and Martin will lead you to “sign” your name and to embrace the “Be Attitudes” of life in Christ.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Glimpses of Grace from Dr. King
Human Relations Day in The United Methodist Church is observed on the Sunday before the observance of Martin Luther King’s, Jr.’s birthday; in 2011 – Sunday, January 16. Our special offering on Human Relations Day supports Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Service, and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. Our Goal: To change the world one life at a time. We invite your prayers and your special gifts for these ministries and the persons they serve.
Dr. King’s speeches and writings consistently depicted one dynamic – that is, one power – which fosters human relations more than any other: Love. Please consider these “glimpses of grace”:
"Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind’s quest for peace and security."
"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."
"Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear; only love can do that. Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it."
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power of love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude."
Celebrate Dr. King’s “Dream” this week and bring a special offering for Human Relations Day on Sunday – and dare to allow the power of love (and forgiveness which flows from love) to set the tone for your “human relations” today and every day.
Dr. King’s speeches and writings consistently depicted one dynamic – that is, one power – which fosters human relations more than any other: Love. Please consider these “glimpses of grace”:
"Love is the most durable power in the world. This creative force, so beautifully exemplified in the life of Christ, is the most potent instrument available in mankind’s quest for peace and security."
"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."
"Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear; only love can do that. Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it."
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power of love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."
"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude."
Celebrate Dr. King’s “Dream” this week and bring a special offering for Human Relations Day on Sunday – and dare to allow the power of love (and forgiveness which flows from love) to set the tone for your “human relations” today and every day.
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