Eugene Victor Debs, an American socialist, and political activist once remarked: “Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results.” Peter 4:9-11 reminds us: “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.”
Solidarity is defined as unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest. It primarily concerns the integration and compatibility of mind between individuals seeking a similar cause. If several persons are united in a common aegis, there is usually strength and fortitude. Fear or problems are shared and become less burdensome. It represents psychological unity which encourages multiple variations of support within community relationships.
The disciples of Christ were a typical example of solidarity and freedom. They were tasked with the sizable measure of spreading the good news on the grandest scale of all possible feats. Problems never before culminated would be encountered, rejection forever experienced. It is said that nothing in life is ever simple, even performing the desired wishes of God. Times were probably difficult and often frustrating. The enormity of the assigned task sometimes daunting. Doubt as to whether they were performing the requirements of God may have existed which necessitated affirmation.
But with the strength and guidance of God’s hand continually with them, conviction and assurance prevailed. Matthew 28:16-20 reminds us: “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In other respects, solidarity also represents an element of love and freedom. Freedom can take many forms, it signifies a specific lack of hindrance. In specific areas, people can choose without restriction. They can speak openly about any matter of concern. They can walk freely without encountering hostility. Those who can’t walk may be given a new life of mobility. Part of the disciple's ministry also included specific healing powers provided by God. Acts 3:1-9 reminds us: “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.”
A lack of faith resembles a life without God. Without God, one will probably lack troth in one’s ability. But an abundance of faith can bring a new life of prosperity. Ephesians 2:12-20 reminds us: “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
Within the scope and boundaries of acceptability, the church performs a similar endeavor to the disciples. It provides love, unity and tackles the concerns of many in need. A hope for future security and happiness may be provided to the destitute or forlorn. Isaiah 61:1 reminds us: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
The ministry of Jesus varied considerably. His teachings were pointed and specific. His words were meaningful and revealed that God’s love was available to all who sought it. For the repentant, the kingdom of heaven is always close at hand and readily available to all. His healing was varied and showed the voracious and adaptable powers of God.
Solidarity requires peace of mind and uniformity. If conflict, hindrance or turbulence exists, there can be no hope of solidarity unless the unification of togetherness and a certain oneness exists. Perhaps one of the most compelling examples of solidarity and freedom is the sufferance of God in human form. Jesus was God in mortal essence, divine in actuality, but corporeal in appearance. He accepted and endured the role of sufferance and pain to save humanity and provide hope to the afflicted. With the support of His disciples, He achieved amazing and awesome feats which displayed the flexibility of God.
Without hope, life remains static. One could feel entombed in a shell without air. Hope inspires flexibility of mind. It can bestow resilience and stamina. It provides purpose and a goal to strive for. Positive emotions continue to prevail in the most difficult of circumstances. In support of that, fortitude releases that captivity and provides a visible escape route to safety and freedom. It could be considered as the strength of God’s hand gently pushing one forward with encouragement and guidance. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States once remarked: “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Romans 5:2-5 reminds us: “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Amen.
