Here in the United States, Monday is the civic holiday dedicated to Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., the Baptist preacher, and civil rights warrior who was, bar none, the most inspired and effective pro-life advocate of the twentieth century. I refer to him as ‘Reverend’ because above all else, he was a minister.

Pastor King enjoyed great success at putting faith into action, using it as the basis of a movement that worked constructively to give and enhance life in abundance for many in his day and the generations that followed. He effected lasting social change without letting a single slur slip from his lips.

His eventual martyrdom in the face of his opposition’s bigoted fear of positive change is what we observe on Monday. Very much worth hearing again today is Reverend King’s final sermon delivered the night before his 1968 assassination. You will certainly remember his powerful words:

“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Now that’s preaching.

Also, worth a listen is Robert F. Kennedy announcing the death of Reverend King. It is a great speech. I hope you enjoy the long weekend and the day of tribute on Monday.