Today, it seems easier to blame, use curse words, and hate those who are different because of their race, culture, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, appearance, etc.
It is so much harder to show love and respect. Why? Because it forces you to hold yourself to a higher standard. To self-impose this higher standard does not show weakness but strength of moral character. It compels you to treat another person as your equal: with kindness, care and dignity. You do this not to give yourself accolades or credit for being a "good" human being, you do it because the other person is a human being. Period.
People like Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, Jr., Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa showed this "higher standard" of love not only in their words, but through their actions. Some paid the highest price with their lives. It compels me to think of family and friends who serve in the military, law enforcement, as first responders, in the medical field, and in education whom on a daily basis give of themselves without counting the cost. These people are "real" servants. They have answered the call and show it in their actions.
If our country truly wants to be "great again," it would be wise for everyone to read MLK, Jr.'s "Drum Major Instinct" sermon. King Jr. states, "True greatness comes not by favoritism but by fitness." Later he continues ... "And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Amen) That's a new definition of greatness."
It seems like today in America we are being called to serve ourselves instead of others. All you have to do is listen to what is coming out of the White House or follow the current president's Twitter account. However, I know that we, as Americans, know better.
Today, I am blessed to be born in this country and am always thankful for my immigrant family who came to the United States for a better life and to contribute to this society. I am even more inspired to fight against hatred, bigotry, and racism that people, including the President of the United States, show towards many people whom I call my:
America IS great. It is "great" when it serves and when it struggles. It's even greater when it grows from these struggles. That's what I see going on today: a struggle to grow in the right direction. That process of seeking/finding/getting towards the right direction is messy (and even violent at times) BUT it has to include our principles, our foundation, and on a tradition of and constant fight for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ... and justice for all.
It is so much harder to show love and respect. Why? Because it forces you to hold yourself to a higher standard. To self-impose this higher standard does not show weakness but strength of moral character. It compels you to treat another person as your equal: with kindness, care and dignity. You do this not to give yourself accolades or credit for being a "good" human being, you do it because the other person is a human being. Period.
People like Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, Jr., Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa showed this "higher standard" of love not only in their words, but through their actions. Some paid the highest price with their lives. It compels me to think of family and friends who serve in the military, law enforcement, as first responders, in the medical field, and in education whom on a daily basis give of themselves without counting the cost. These people are "real" servants. They have answered the call and show it in their actions.
If our country truly wants to be "great again," it would be wise for everyone to read MLK, Jr.'s "Drum Major Instinct" sermon. King Jr. states, "True greatness comes not by favoritism but by fitness." Later he continues ... "And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. (Amen) That's a new definition of greatness."
It seems like today in America we are being called to serve ourselves instead of others. All you have to do is listen to what is coming out of the White House or follow the current president's Twitter account. However, I know that we, as Americans, know better.
Today, I am blessed to be born in this country and am always thankful for my immigrant family who came to the United States for a better life and to contribute to this society. I am even more inspired to fight against hatred, bigotry, and racism that people, including the President of the United States, show towards many people whom I call my:
- family
- friends
- neighbors
- parishioners
- students
- parents
- co-workers
- parish priests
- fellow human beings
We may not agree. That's o.k. but we do need to be civil and respectful.
Finally, on this MLK, Jr. holiday, show your greatness: serve others, especially those who cannot repay you.
You might surprise yourself at what you find.
By the way, service is constant and not just one day. You can honor King's dream by making service a part of your life and who you are.
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