Asianlayleaders.com – “Solidarity is above all a relational concept: it is not primarily about the self-interests of individuals or the outcome of distributive processes, but about the sort of relations required between individuals to keep the fabric of modern society intact. These relations should have an awareness of the fundamental importance of mutual care and, after the demise of mechanical solidarity, of the commitment to the continuous processes of deliberation built into them.” so says the Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics, on Solidarity.
The Church also teaches us that ‘Solidarity’, beyond a feeling of compassion, is a moral virtue which can be cultivated through “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (CSDCC, 193). By which the Church means to say that solidarity is not a fleeting emotion or a popular reaction to a particular event. For the Church there is no such thing as a kind of ‘Solidarity A La Carte,’ as Pope Francis might call it (Evangelii Gaudium, 180)
Solidarity means being in it for the long-run; it is to recognize the great pain and suffering of other human beings, the unacceptable lack of justice, inclusiveness and unity that is essential for every human society and our collective progress. Solidarity is “a commitment to the good of one’s neighbor with the readiness, in the Gospel sense, to ‘lose oneself’ for the sake of the other instead of exploiting them, and to ‘serve them’ instead of oppressing them for one’s own advantage.” (CSDCC, 193)
Let’s learn from Jesus himself who called his followers to demonstrate solidarity to the world saying: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:21, NLT). Let us never forget that our solidarity and love for each other demonstrate God’s love to this world. Christian solidarity arises from our adherence to Jesus’ teachings only when we put our faith into action through social works of mercy for the sake of others.
The principle of solidarity truly challenges us Christians to treat every neighbor, regardless of race, religion, gender, sex or nationality, as “another self.” Christ’s compassion was never limited to any particular group or country. And we as Christians must choose to imitate Jesus by extending God’s love beyond the literal and figurative walls that divide the one global human family. Therefore as we approach then end of 2022, a catastrophic, post pandemic, war torn, exploited, oppressed and unjust year, let us make a commitment this New Year 2023 to Persevere Human Solidarity for Common good. Compliments of the season! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ref:
Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics.
#WeAreN and the Importance of Christian Solidarity – Sebastian Gomes
Catholic social teaching: Solidarity means commitment to the common good – Catholic News Service
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