Jesus was true to himself even in the face of death. His death gave way to new life | Column
Recently we acknowledged the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. As a Baptist minister, King lived his faith not only through his words but also through his actions. He did not live a life that compartmentalized his beliefs. It seems he integrated what he believed in his spiritual life with his physical life.
He was often threatened with death, and one night in 1956, it seems he came to question whether he could go on. He spent time in prayer and heard clearly a voice in his inner being that said, “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice. Stand up for truth. And lo, I will be with you, even until the end of the world.” It was then that King felt he could face anything. He continued to speak on behalf of African Americans until he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
During this month, we celebrate Easter. It is a celebration of light overcoming darkness, of death resulting in life. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus never compartmentalized his beliefs. He lived a life that integrated concern for the marginalized with worship of his God. He healed many. He ate with so-called sinners and assured many of the mercy of God by way of stories. He continued to carry on even when he was threatened with death. He was true to himself to the very end and revealed to his followers that it is out of death that new life comes.
We, too, need to examine how our spiritual life is integrated with our physical life. They are not separate, and if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we need to act on what we believe, thus bringing life to the world, helping to overcome darkness with light. We need to care for the poor and bring relief to refugees and immigrants. We need to share what we have with others and support programs that will help all people live in dignity.
Helen Ackermann is a retired parish minister who lives in Rothschild.