Solidarity

Below is the 23^rd in the August Catholic Social Teaching series: Solidarity

The second principle of Catholic Social Teaching is Solidarity which follows closely upon the first.  If I recognize my own human dignity, I am obliged to also recognize the same dignity in every other human person no matter who they are or where they live.

Teresita Scully, MTS

We have moved away so far from the teachings of Christ, or how it was identified by the very early followers of Jesus, “The Way” that too many people no longer have a true understanding of what following Jesus means. “The Way” of Jesus Christ is not relegated to one group of people, one nation, or one continent. It is for everyone, from every nation, and every culture.

“We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.  Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. …’ Read more here.

Scripture:

• Genesis 12:1-3: God blessed Israel so that all nations would be blessed

• Zechariah 8:16: These are the things you should do: Speak truth, judge well, make peace.

• Matthew 5:21-24: Be reconciled to one another before coming to the altar.

• Colossians 3:9-17:  Above all, clothe yourself with love and let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.

Tradition:

• May 1961 “… makes it impossible for wealthy nations to look with indifference upon the hunger, misery and poverty of other nations whose citizens are unable to enjoy even elementary human rights. The nations of the world are becoming more and more dependent on one another, and it will not be possible to preserve a lasting peace so long as glaring economic and social imbalances persist." (St. John XXIII, On Christianity and Social Progress [Mater et Magistra], no. 157)

• October 2020: “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community. It means that the lives of all are prior to the appropriation of goods by a few. It also means combatting the structural causes of poverty, inequality, the lack of work, land and housing, the denial of social and labor rights. It means confronting the destructive effects of the empire of money… Solidarity, understood in its most profound meaning, is a way of making history, and this is what popular movements are doing.” (Pope Francis, On Fraternity and Social Friendship [Fratelli Tutti], no. 116) 

You can read more about  the 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching on USCCB site here.

I encourage you to watch the video on Solidarity here