Justice in Our Time

On November 3rd, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill making the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday. Government moves slow, and the day was not observed as a national holiday until 1986, but by then 17 states were already observing the holiday. Some states changed the name of the holiday. New Hampshire used “Civil Rights Day” and didn’t adopt Martin Luther King Jr. Day until 1999. And it was not until the year 2000 before the last state (South Carolina) observed the holiday.

Do you remember the arguments over the name of the day – should it be a national holiday; would businesses acknowledge the day? Would banks close – what about Wall Street? It seems foolish now. While I suspect not every argument was steeped in racism, I imagine most were.

It is interesting that this holi-day (“Holy” day) defines us even as we celebrate. It takes a snapshot of how we are doing, the progress or regress we have made, and celebrates within the memory and words of Martin Luther King Jr., our walk toward justice. This Holy day holds up a mirror to the American society, daring us to gaze upon ourselves. This is particularly difficult for those who know we are made in the image and likeness of God. For that image shines light, exposing the darkness of racism. It exposes our individual and collective sin. And seeing the sin means knowing and knowing requires confession and prayers for forgiveness. How can I approach the altar of Communion with Jesus when I have not sought communion with my brothers and sisters of color?

For me personally, I am contributing to the Foundation’s anti-racism “Justice in Our Time Fund”. Not to assuage any guilt but rather to invest in a better tomorrow. Click Here for more information about the “Justice in Our Time Fund” and ways to donate.