The sixth theme of Catholic social teaching is simply called “solidarity.” 

 

At the root of this theme is the idea of connectedness. Specifically, it is the connectedness that exists between all people simply because we are all human beings. 

 

The basis for this connectedness is something that we’ve looked at in previous themes and therefore should come as no surprise. It is the fact that all people — regardless of race, language, religion or any other consideration — are made in the image and likeness of God. 

 

While there can be many things in this life that can end up dividing us, this theme reminds us that at the most basic level, and the most important level, we all share the same dignity. This common dignity comes from sharing a common origin and a common destiny, namely, God. 

 

This connection means that I must first of all recognize that in addition to the immediate family I was born into, or the place I call my home, that I am connected to every other person in this world who was also created by the same loving God who sees us all as His children. Therefore, just as I must be concerned with the welfare of my own family and community, so too, must I show concern for the welfare of that larger family and community of which I am also a member. 

 

This concept of solidarity is expressed in many different places in Scripture, but is perhaps most recognizable in some of Jesus’ teachings such as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37) and in St. Paul’s writings about the “Body of Christ.” 

 

If we looked at 1 Cor 12:25-26, for example, we read: “So that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If (one) part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” 

 

In this letter Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth about being members of the Church, but his words are likewise applicable to this theme of Catholic social teaching. In fact, they are a beautiful and succinct expression of it. 

 

St. John Paul II, in his encyclical letter, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, described solidarity as “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.” 

 

Clearly, even with this definition we understand that solidarity, while involving consistent and thoughtful choices and action on our part, will not and cannot mean the same thing for each of us. Instead, it can sometimes best be seen in our willingness to contribute and cooperate, insofar as we can, to building a more just society. 

 

Solidarity is not something shallow or superficial, nor is it just a matter of one’s feelings towards others. Likewise, it doesn’t pretend that differences don’t exist (on the contrary, it accepts legitimate differences or diversity without trying to destroy them because it is able to see beyond them). 

 

Rather, it involves before all else a disposition of heart — a disposition of heart that manifests itself in one’s choices. Such a disposition is not just concerned with oneself, but with how one’s choices are affecting others. In this way, solidarity can be seen as connected with the basic charity that is to mark the lives of all Christians. 

 

As a sense of solidarity grows (either in an individual or a community) there is a natural lessening of some of the “us” versus “them” mentality that can so easily poison human relationships and cause systemic social problems. 

 

In times when it seems that divisions in our communities and our world are only increasing, perhaps committing ourselves to fostering a sense of solidarity becomes one thing we each can contribute toward the common good.