Recently the Holy Father has cited Martin Luther King, the apostle of nonviolence, as one of the Martyrs of the 20th century. Here is a timely reflection on his life. (Ed)

From 1929 to 1968 is only 39 short years.
Too short to gather the fruits of your labor.
Too short to comfort your parents when your brother drowns.
Too short to comfort your father when mother dies.
Too short to see your children finish school.
Too short to ever enjoy grandchildren.
Too short to know retirement.
Thirty-nine years is just too short.
From 1929 to 1968 is only 39 short years,
yet it's too long to be crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.