Shake Us from Our Slumber

"Shake Us from Our Slumber" by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When out of fear we are frozen into inaction, Give us a spirit of bravery, O Lord.

When we try our best but say the wrong things, Give us a spirit of humility, O Lord.

When the chaos of this dies down, Give us a lasting spirit of solidarity,

When it becomes easier to point fingers outwards, Help us to examine our own hearts, O Lord.

God of truth, in your wisdom, Enlighten Us. God of hope in your kindness, Heal Us. Creator of All People, in your generosity, Guide Us.

Vince Estrada, a member of the Anti-racism & Equity Committee writes on what grounds him in this work:

This powerful poem speaks to me…so much so that keep it open as a tab (one of many!) on my computer. I re-read these powerful words from Dr. King to ground myself in this work of anti-racism. I remind myself of (2) important tenets which he speaks to here. First, I am called to be reflective regarding my own biases so I can prepare myself to make a difference. It starts with me…it starts with all of us on an individual basis…we are called to “examine our own hearts”. Secondly, this work is grounded in relationship….meaningful, authentic relationships. “God called us to be in relationship with one another, and promised to dwell wherever two or three are gathered…in church…at coffee & donuts….in our commission and committee meetings….in our neighborhood.

We invite parishioners at St. Vincent De Paul to walk with us every third Sunday of the month at 11:30 a.m. We currently meet at the St. Pius rectory chapel, though we would be happy to meet at St. Vincent DePaul too.

Email: gcassani@ssndcp.org.