This is the time of year where we pause to remember a man who had a dream, to recall his life, and to reinvigorate his vision and continue the legacy he left behind. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left a legacy of justice, equality, and peace that has not only transformed the nation but has had a great impact on the world we live in. In the midst of the King Holiday, as we prepare for our Community Service Day, we find ourselves faced with a tragedy. When a nation is cataclysmically affected by such a natural disaster as Haiti was on January 12, we are stupefied. We are reminded of the power of nature, and also the resolve of the human spirit to immediately respond to such a great need.
In the Gospel of John (2:1-11), we see the great sign of the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana, the changing of water to wine, and are reminded that God’s kingdom is in our midst and that the power of Jesus is available and it gives us hope. Even after such a catastrophe God can transform tragedy to triumph.
We grieve the loss of so many children, women, and men who have died, and we offer our heartfelt condolences. Yet we also are called to respond in love. A nation and a people who have been so impoverished and misused and abused by the world are now in need or our help. We have a responsibility to follow the example of Dr. King and to seek the well-being of humanity. To see in the face of each Haitian our sisters’ and brothers’ eyes. Their tears become our tears. Their pain becomes our pain. Their task to rebuild becomes ours as well.
I saw this in the eyes of our students as we gathered for prayer. One student, who never has been to Haiti nor really knew where it is located, was moved to deep sorrow and tears. The reason for her sadness is because the people she goes to class with each day are now saddened and suffering. Her classmates and friends have family members who have died or who are unaccounted for. Her tears represent the tears of every human being and every human heart. For when one human being suffers it touches the hearts of us all. Let our tears move us beyond pity to deep love and compassion––to reach out and assist our sisters and brothers of Haiti. The people of God need us, so let us be encouraged by the words of the Prophet Jeremiah. “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows, I will lavish choice portions upon the priests, and my people shall be filled with my blessing says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 31:13-14)
This is what it means to live the Dream of Dr. King: that human beings reach out in love so that their sisters and brothers might live. We ask not what will happen to me if I stop to help my sister or brother, we ask what will happen if I do not help them.
