"If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." These words were spoken over 2,000 years ago by those who opposed and disagreed with Jesus Christ. They were concerned that Jesus would change their way of living; their status in the nation. So in an instance, they created a plan to silence the voice of Jesus.
Sadly, the volatile practice of removing the dissenting voice continues even today. Last week, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot at close range, and six others, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl, were killed. Many say that the shooter was not a proponent of any political cause and that his murderous actions should only be associated with his mental instability. Even so, it seems there was an attempt to silence the congresswoman's voice.
Forty-three years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a victim of violence perpetrated in an attempt to silence his voice because he spoke out against the racial and economic injustice of our times. His stance, his willingness to speak to oppositional power, changed the world. Consequently, many more people live with hope and possibility. Obviously, speaking up and speaking out can be costly, even deadly.
However, when we remain silent, evil and wrong prevail. The Rev. Leonard Sweet said it this way: "If we don't learn from history, we shall be compelled to relive it. True. But if we do not change the future, we shall be compelled to endure it. And that could be worse."
To speak or not to speak is the question and the choice we all must make in choosing to remember King's admonishment that "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere." We don't have the luxury of being silent. We must address the issues of our day and challenge systems that are unfair.
When we get involved, we should do so with the conviction of pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said, "I must live through the difficult period of our national history with the Christian people of Germany. I shall have no right to participate in the reconstruction ... if I do not share in the trials of this time with my people."
As we celebrate the memory of Rev. King, let's continue in the discourse of peaceful disagreements. We all want our voices to be heard. We want a future with a world we can live in and be treated with equality and respect. Our thoughts and opinions should never cost us our lives.
God's Peace and Good Journey!
+t.anthony bronner
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