Books have the power to profoundly impact our lives. In 2006, I found an audiobook copy of A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. at my local library. I had some familiarity with King’s work prior to listening to that book, and his autobiography in quick succession, but not much. Those two books changed all of that for me. He was of course a supremely gifted orator and it is a blessing to live in an age where his speeches have been preserved for future generations. Those speeches inform my personal theological stances and have stayed with me ever since.

One of the speeches in the collection truly stood out for me. It is one that likely got him into a good deal of trouble with those who maintain the Domination System in American political life because he was critical of U.S. foreign policy and…

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious Kindom of God, to bring your holy light into our increasingly dark world.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious Kindom of God, to awaken your holy peace within the collective heart of hurting humanity, and in the hearts of every wounded person around your world.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious Kindom of God, enliven forgiveness in our hearts, and should our wounds be too grievous forgive on our behalves.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now glorious Kindom of God, fill us with joyous wonder, that we may marvel at the beautiful diversity of our human family.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious Kindom of God, where the Golden Rule is practiced between all peoples everywhere.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious Kindom of God, and relieve this longing within our hearts.

Come now long-awaited Jesus, come now the glorious…