Solidarity at its basic meaning is the unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest or goal. The Catholic definition of solidarity means that whatever our national, economic, ethnic or faith differences, we are all united as one. There is no “us and them” or “we and they,” there is only one human race. In the shrinking world that we live in, loving our neighbor— following the Greatest Commandment— takes on a whole new dimension. We truly are our brothers’ and sisters' keepers. At the very core, solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught “if you want peace, work for justice.”

In today’s world we have faced a lot of tragedy, from hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires to the injustice of undocumented immigrants working in the States or the denial of receiving driver’s licenses. Do you stop and think about how the people in these areas and how their lives are being affected?

As we sit in church, we listen to God’s Word on how to forgive and heal ourselves and to give to others in need. Our parishes take up a collection of money for these disasters. This is one way we stand in solidarity with one another. We can also stand in solidarity by speaking up for the rights of those that are mistreated in the workforce due to race, ethnicity or religious beliefs.

A mutual respect and understanding for our fellow person is the start to solidarity. Are we willing to stand together as one without judgment, with an open mind, and to hold hands together in unity to fight for the common good?