Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Dr. King's Call for Justice Touched the Better Angels of our Nature

The historic speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose 50th anniversary we celebrate today had justice as its overarching theme. In a rather short address, Dr. King uses the word justice nine times, ultimately calling on a shaking of the foundation of this nation until the bright day of justice emerges. This call was appropriate. In his seminal encyclical, Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII quoted St, Augustine that ``Take away justice, and what are kingdoms but mighty bands of robbers.’’ Dr. King understood this profound truth. His call for justice rang out fifty years ago and rings out just as strongly today. His message of social justice is compelling and eternal as we honor his dream today. Thank you Dr. King for doing as President Lincoln did and touching the better angels of our nature.