Quite a Week...

Quite a week:

Yesterday, we celebrated the birth of the Reverend Martin Luther King, always an alarm clock for the nation to examine our consciences on the two goals that he preached – – the dignity and equality of each human person, and the sacredness of all human life – – and renew our sense of urgency for the works of justice that flow from those two Biblical and American virtues, especially regarding racial harmony and a national priority for the poor.

This country only celebrates four birthdays as holidays:  of Jesus, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the Reverend King.  That is fitting . . .

Tomorrow, January 18, we begin the annual Week of Christian Unity, as we once again yearn with Jesus “that all may be one!”  We in New York have a special commitment to this yearly project, since one of our own, Father Paul Watson, founder of the Graymoor Franciscans, initiated this act of faith, hope, and love a century ago.

Friday, we’ll inaugurate a new president.  As with all previous ones, some welcome him, some are worried about him, most a little bit of both.  Whatever our reservations – – and as with most other inauguration days, I have some too – – it is classically a time of prayer, renewal, hope, and unity.  May it be so . . . !

Next Sunday, January 22^nd, moves us again to bow our heads in prayer and reparation on the somber anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which took the civil rights away from the most fragile, the pre-born baby in the womb.

This gray occasion has seen a massive annual March for Life in Washington, which this year, due to the inauguration, will take place on Friday, January 27.  Alleluia for you brave souls who participate in that event, especially our many young people.

I do invite you to the Cathedral on Saturday, January 21, for a prayer vigil, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and concluding with 5:30 p.m. Mass for Sunday.

When you think about it, Reverend King, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln would appreciate all of these events.  My prayers Friday will be that our new President will as well.