Eternal and ever-gracious God, you blessed your servant Thurgood with exceptional grace and courage to discern and speak the truth: Grant that, following his example, we may know you and recognize that we are all your children, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, who teaches us to love one another; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Today is May 18. Yesterday there were two commemorations on the calendar and we paid heed to the church-oriented one. There being none today, we acknowledge the second, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Learn about Justice Marshall here.