Reflecting on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s contribution to peace thought I’d share a blessing by Hagen Hasselbalch which I found in Earth Prayers. It so beautifully captures the open-armed ambitions of the peace movement inspired by folks like Dr. King: the desire for justice, for access, for respect for each other and the earth.
Let there be peace, welfare and righteousness in every part of the world. Let confidence and friendship prevail for the good of east and west for the good of the needy south for the good of all humanity. Let the people inspire their leaders helping them to seek peace by peaceful means helping them and urging them to build a better world a world with a home for everybody a world with food and work for everybody a world with spiritual freedom for everybody. Let those who have the power of money be motivated by selfless compassion. Let money become a tool for the good of humankind. Let those who have power deal respectfully with the resources of the planet. Let them respect and maintain the purity of the air, water, land and subsoil. Let them co-operate to restore the ecological soundness of Mother Earth. Let trees grow up by the billions around the world. Let green life invade the deserts. Let industry serve humanity and produce waste that serves nature. Let technology respect the holiness of Mother Earth. Let those who control the mass media contribute to create mutual understanding contribute to create optimism and confidence. Let ordinary people meet by the millions across the borders. Let them create a universal network of love and friendship. Let billions of human beings co-operate to create a good future for their children and grandchildren. Let us survive In peace and harmony with Mother Earth.
Peace.