I find myself reflecting, once again, on Martin Luther King's revolutionary and radical ideas of answering the corrosive presence of hate and warfare with the restorative, godly inspired application of love and the peaceful embrace of brotherhood. For him, this was not an unachievable ideal or abstract concept but rather an active mandate of global proportions. His vision pointed the way for a significant paradigm shift away from the self interested accumulation of power and resources and toward the realization of a world in which the fellowship of humankind would become a global priority. He saw this change as being in keeping not only with God's will but also consistent with the fundamental core values of this great nation.
While reflecting on some of MLK's essential ideas as a uniquely spiritual leader, I also was seized with sadness over the loss of two other significant voices for radical change: Robert F Kennedy and John Lennon. The former was in a position of political influence sufficient to accomplish many of the lofty goals set forth by Martin's eloquent and inspired rhetoric while the latter provided the artistic vision and popularity to influence an entire generation to seek new answers to old problems and to value the common good of all humanity over the narrow interests of the very few. Sadly these voices have been silenced (a topic for another day) but the legacy of their message remains as a beacon for all who envision a more equitable, sustainable, and hopeful future.
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