SUNDAY MORNING BENEDICTION

WHEN THE RICH AND POWERFUL GO TO WAR AGAINST THE MEEK, AND HONESTY AND COMPASSION ALL BUT DISAPPEAR FROM PUBLIC DISCOURSE, WE NEED LITERATURE AND THE ARTS TO REMIND US THAT, WHATEVER OUR DIFFERENCES, WE SHARE THE CONDITION OF BEING HUMAN. GIVE ME STRENGTH TO STAND UP TO INJUSTICE. TO CONFRONT RACISM. THE WIFE BEATER. THE GUN LOVER. HELP ME TO REMAIN DEFIANT TO A GOVERNMENT GONE ASTRAY, IN THE SAME WAY THAT YOU DEFIED THE ROMAN EMPIRE. HELP ME TO TELL YOUR STORY: ONE OF GENTLENESS, KINDNESS, YOUR PEACE, YET DETERMINED DEFIANCE. IN THE END, YOU DIED FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVED. YOU SAW A NEW DAY-A NEW WAY. NOW IT'S UP TO ME TO HONOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND VISION.   AMEN