Solidarity: Commitment, communion

By Sr. Pat Flanigan, SSM

	An Advent series on Catholic Social Teaching

Solidarity, for us as Christians, implies a communion and a commitment. The communion is our oneness in God, our oneness as family and as community. It is oneness in faith in Jesus, in his words and in his works. It is oneness in faith in the church, founded on Peter, whom Christ named "the rock." As church we are Christ's body, and his voice is expressed through our bishops.

We are particularly united and strengthened in the Eucharist. As a church gathering to celebrate the Eucharist, we are witnesses to the power of Jesus in our unity of faith. We are strong when we work for mercy and justice, and our power comes from acknowledging our weakness. We are servants, servants who are strong because they share the same food, the Bread of Life.

Our commitment is to spread the message of Jesus. However, this message is a radical way of life, not an easy one. He taught us that the strong are the poor, the suffering, the hungry and the powerless. He taught us to seek justice and peace and to respect life. He taught us to respect the beliefs and values of those who are different from us.

	A d v e n t
	• Other Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles
	• Other Advent articles

We commit ourselves to witness to Jesus through reconciliation and peace with our enemies, and when we show respect to victims of abuse and persecution. We witness to him when we stand with the martyrs of Guatemala and El Salvador in defense of the poor, the powerless and the vulnerable.

Solidarity is a force that is created when we come together. It demands both leadership and action.

As a missionary I often assisted those who were dying of AIDS. One day at a pueblo I found a man who looked more skeletal than human. Rats had chewed off some of his toes as he lay dying. Only one woman kept him alive by bringing food and water each day.

I sought out the community's church-appointed leader. I complained that I had asked for assistance to improve conditions but was told that the men of the pueblo were too busy working for pay. I said that, though I was a stranger among them, I had more concern for this man than his brothers in the pueblo. I challenged him to move the people to compassion and action.

I returned a few days later to find a concrete floor, where there had been mud. A small stand held food and medicine. The man had someone to care for him through the night, and rats were dispersed by spraying around the cane hut. The community now realized their obligation and was responding. The man had a family united in their purpose, to relieve his suffering.

As Christians our baptismal promises commit us to unite in our rejection of evil and all that is contrary to the life and teachings of Jesus. We reject injustice, selfishness, egoism and racism. We strive to be more faithful, generous, respectful and responsible. We sacrifice our comfort to work for the common good and share responsibility to change what is evil and corrupt.

Our solidarity as Christians can change our world. We must work to change our laws into a more human and compassionate system. Indifference and comfort must give way to concern for others. Violence and selfishness must be converted to compassion and love.

We need to take seriously the words of John Paul II, to "condemn war waged in the name of God and religion, and to demand that leaders of nations work to establish a world of solidarity and peace founded on justice."

Solidarity will win for us the victory, and the kingdom of God will then be at hand.

(Sr. Flanigan directs Hispanic ministries at St. Joseph Parish, Wautoma.)