We take to heart these mighty words of The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., spoken in 1963, in our pledge for justice and compassion in every facet of our human interaction and in our spiritual expression:
“As we walk, we must make the pledge
that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
“With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope . . . .”
“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together . . . .”
“With this faith we will be able . . . to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. . . . Let freedom ring!”
In Spirit, we are free to walk in peace together, right now, today.
Responsive Reading for January 17
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Luke 3: 4).
“As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low” (Luke 3:5).
“With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope . . . .”
“The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth” (Luke 3:5).
“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together . . . .”
“. . . and all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).
“With this faith we will be able . . . to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. . . . Let freedom ring!”