Message from Fr. Bob . . .

"I learned that when you are willing to make sacrifices for a great cause, you will never be alone, because you will have divine companionship and the support of good people. This same faith and cosmic companionship sustained me after my husband was assassinated, and gave me the strength to make my contribution to carrying forward his unfinished work.” – Coretta Scott King

Earlier this year we bid adieu to Rosa Parks and, unfortunately, this week we also had to say a final good-bye to Mrs. King. As I reflect on the passing of these powerful legends of the civil rights movement, I believe that they will one day be heralded as modern day saints. These individuals are people, who through the power and grace of God, fought for the righteousness and dignity of all of God's people.

Christ himself stated, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:10. The ultimate goal of the persecuted lives of these great women was to bring all of us a piece of heaven. However, as Mrs. King reminded us, we can't accomplish the work on our own.

I believe that the divine companionship of Mr. & Mrs. King (who journeyed with many) led them on the road to heaven that was paved with blood, sweat, and tears. However, beyond their pain, we shall never forget the good work that they have done, for their good deeds go with them. Even through the civil rights movement has a different face today, let us not give up their sense of cosmic companionship and the dream of a new tomorrow . . .

– Fr. Bob

February 5, 2006