Rev. Kevin W. VanHook II’s Sermon on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy and Breaking Silence
April 4, 1967 marked a historic moment in history when Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech in New York City denouncing racism, materialism, and militarism in the United States while also speaking out against the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War. This made him the first minister to do so at a national level. As expected, his actions were met with major backlash including 168 American newspapers denouncing him and President Lyndon B. Johnson inviting him to White House for discussion purposes. The next 12 months of his life saw vicious assaults on his character as well as dismissal from both Black middle-class individuals and militants alike.
Moses: Being Comfortable vs Being Called
The Rev VanHook compared MLK’s actions to those of Prophet Moses who was comfortable but was called by God to work for a greater purpose which came with great cost attached to it; similarly, God calls MLK out through stirring up \”good trouble\” which is seen as an invitation to take action against injustice much like leading Israelites out of Egypt did for Moses .
Conclusion
Martin Luther King Jr.’s decision to break his silence on matters concerning racism, materialism, and militarism came with great cost but was ultimately necessary if justice and equality had any chance of being achieved or recognized; In his sermon Rev VanHook challenges the congregation by urging them consider their own callings regarding \”stirring up some good trouble\” and taking action when faced with injustice
