From Our Perspective: Solidarity
”And who is my neighbor?
-Luke 10: 25-37
Solidarity recognizes that despite race, creed, economic status or place of birth, every human being is created by God in His image and likeness. It’s not “us” and “them.” Because we are all one human family, it’s just “us.” Every man, near or far is our neighbor and our brother. As Catholics we embrace the particular dimension that, through Baptism, we are the Body of Christ. When one member of the Body suffers, the whole Body suffers. Also, as members of the Body, each is given particular gifts that we can and must commit to the good of the Church, the world, and especially to the most vulnerable among us. Consider this:
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:24-26)
“Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue, not a ‘feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, article 193)
“Solidarity rises to the rank of fundamental social virtue since it places itself in the sphere of justice. It is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good, and is found in ‘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 him, and to ‘serve him’ instead of oppressing him for one’s own advantage.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, article 193)
“In the light of faith, solidarity seeks to go beyond itself, to take on the specifically Christian dimensions of total gratuity, forgiveness and reconciliation. One’s neighbor is then not only a human being with his or her own rights and a fundamental equality with everyone else, but becomes the living image of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and placed under the permanent action of the Holy Spirit. One’s neighbor must therefore be loved, even if an enemy, with the same love with which the Lord loves him or her; and for that person’s sake one must be ready for sacrifice, even the ultimate one: to lay down one’s life for the brethren.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, article 196)
Story from our St. John Street Campus: Solidarity
We believe we are one human family regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, economic or ideological differences. We have a firm and persevering determination towards the common good. We believe we are responsible for and belong to each other.
-CCA Statement of Core Values
St. Joseph Diner hums with activity. It is 11am. Time for lunch. The door is open, the lunch is free - every day. The diners are a diverse crew. Men. Women. Singles. Families. The young. The elderly. The able-bodied. The disabled. The quiet. The raucous. The ordinary.
Gloriously assorted.
Behind the serving line volunteers are just as diverse. Individuals. Families. Local Businesses. Churches. Clubs. Catholic School groups. Public School Groups. Homeschool groups. Groups of men. Groups of women. The energetic. Those of limited physical ability giving out of their poverty. Those awakening to service for the first time. Those having given faithful service for over 30 years. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy and simultaneously anchored in peaceful camaraderie.
One human family.
Our Lady of Lourdes sees a connection between critical health situations and those who experience homelessness. Often relying on high sugar, high salt, highly processed foods with low nutritional value isn’t strengthening the vulnerable, but rather exacerbating vulnerabilities. The Lourdes Foundation steps up: contracting a nutritionist for St. Joseph Diner, providing a full-time cook, supplementing food and providing healthcare through St. Bernadette’s free clinic for anyone who needs. Solidarity brings justice out of oppression.
Working together to serve the common good.
Parish Social Ministries speckled throughout the diocese labor to serve the human needs of those in their communities, but their gaze does not stay turned inward. During the year their supporting parishes give to the global Church through the CRS Ricebowl Campaign and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Solidarity compels beyond our walls and city limits to carry on the mission of Christ to the ends of the earth. Simultaneously, however, the global church gives back to those Parish Social Ministries by tithing 25% of collections from these campaigns back to local Parish Social Ministries.
Reaching out locally and globally.
And the fruit of solidarity is JOY as the kingdom of God breaks into our midst. We are Catholic Charities of Acadiana, and precisely because of our Catholic identity we seek to live in solidarity.
Taking It To the World Around You:
Pray:
● Pray about the gifts you possess (time, talent, treasure) and how you can use them for the good of others.
● Pray for those who you have avoided solidarity with due to a lack of forgiveness, judgment, or prejudice.
Fast:
● Fast from areas of prejudice and judgment
● Fast from tendencies of isolation or cliquishness
Give Alms:
● Seek, one time a day, to “give away” one of your gifts (time, talent, treasure) for the good of another
● Sign up to volunteer with Catholic Charities of Acadiana!
Donate to the Catholic Charities of Acadiana Lenten appeal here.
Volunteer to serve with Catholic Charities of Acadiana here.
Hungry for More?
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 - Concerning the unity and diversity of the Body
Galatians 5:13-14 - You were created for freedom
Mark 10:42-45 - Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant
Matthew 22:36-40 - The two greatest commandments
Luke 10:25-37- What must I do to inherit eternal life? The parable of the Good Samaritan
Make Friends with the Saints: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is an exemplary model of solidarity. A native of Albania, she was transplanted to India by her simple “Yes” to God’s call. Catholic among Muslims. An educated religious sister among throngs of the destitute. She ran to the part of the Body of Christ that was ailing and she loved.
Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2437-2442
Read from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church (articles 43, 160-170, 192-196)
Online Resources
USCCB: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/solidarity.cfm
CRS Catholic Social Teaching 101 Videos, Discussion, and Teaching Materials: https://www.crs.org/resource-center/CST-101?tab=solidarity