From my reading, the major theme of the three above readings concerns "faith" - the absence of it or the presence of it in our lives.

Hebrews 4:11 - "...Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith."

Psalm 78:6-8 - "...so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.  In this way, they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.  They will not be like their ancestors, a rebellious and disobedient people whose trust in God was never firm and who did not remain faithful to him.

Mark 2: "Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man"
Verse 4-6: "Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him.  So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was.  When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat.  Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'My son, your sins are forgiven."

In the Gospels it seems as though Jesus is always looking for people with an openness to a Presence outside themselves.  He is looking for people who acknowledge they are not the center of the world and that the universe is intended to be lived in harmony with faith in God and loving relationships with others and ourselves.

Jesus teaches that we need faith to live life fully.  He showers approval, blessings, gifts on those who truly have faith in God. The Old Testament also speaks about the necessity of having faith at the core of one's life so that life is fulfilled and not a failure.

Today, we commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., a man of great faith in God.  Martin Luther King, Jr., had faith and a dream.  He and others are role models for us to see what can be accomplished because of a strong faith that seeks justice.

Lord, today, we ask for a faith in you that does justice - even when the world is against us. Give us the courage to live faithful lives that do justice in our everyday lives - at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, communities, cities, states, and nation.  Support us with the courage to do your will.