Solidarity

Sol·i·dar·i·ty: noun, plural -ties.  1. union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.

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"Real solidarity begins when it is no longer a matter of we and they." We see the poor as what we often call needy; that we must go out and rescue them because they are helpless. There may even be some idea of getting them to cooperate with us. There may be some idea of teaching them to help themselves. There is a tendency to treat the poor as poor helpless creatures. 

Real solidarity comes when we realized that "the poor know better than we do what to do and how to do it;" that they are perfectly capable of solving structural problems or political problems. In fact, they are more capable of doing it than you and I are.

Real solidarity comes when we recognize that both the rich and the poor have faults. 

Real solidarity happens when it is recognized that we need each other. We rich need to be saved from our materialism and greed as much as they need to be saved from their poverty and oppression. 

Real solidarity takes considerable humility in order to listen and learn. 

Real solidarity happens when there is no longer we and they, only us.

                                              

                                              - Fr. Albert Nolan

 

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I am challenging myself this holiday season to actively pursuit solidarity within my George Fox and Santa Barbara communities; and anywhere else that is considered home. 

Like Nolan said, "Real solidarity takes considerable humility in order to listen and learn."

  

Listening...

 "Listening is the oldest and perhaps the most powerful tool of healing. It is often through the quality of our listening and not the wisdom of our words that we are able to affect the most profound changes in the people around us. When we listen we offer sanctuary for the homeless parts within the other person. That which has been denied, unloved, devalued by themselves and others. That which is hidden. When you listen generously to people, they can hear the truth in themselves often for the first time."

                                        - Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen

A HOUSE is a material object. The HOUSE becomes a HOME when it is filled with loving memories = solidarity. 

John 14:2 

"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."

We are all made in the image of God. Just as Christ builds rooms in His heart for His people, we have the gift of building a home in our hearts with many rooms that hold cherished memories, relationships, flavors, smells, sounds, and images. 

The poor may be HOUSEless, but the rich may be HOMEless. 

(could be visa versa) 

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Who might be suffering HOMELESS parts within themselves in your community? 

Are there HOMELESS parts within yourself that are not being met? 

What can "us" (not we or they) do to fill in those empty rooms in all of our hearts? 

"Jesus came not only to comfort the afflicted but to afflict the comfortable."

                                              - Dorothy Day

          MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS!!!