Solidarity is something we learnt about last year when we explored the different Catholic Social Teaching points. Solidarity is the feeling of unity and support for others. It is essential for building a just and compassionate society. In the Catholic faith, we are called to be in solidarity with the poor and the marginalized and with those who are suffering, both physically and emotionally. Even if we have not met them, our faith creates an obligation in us to support our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Day 1 – Start with scripture
We start with the Sign of the Cross.
Lets read our Scripture for today…
A Reading from the letter of St Paul to the Galatians.
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Word of the Lord
Galatians 3:23-28
R. Thanks be to God
Have a look at the questions below and discuss as a group or in pairs:
Discussion Questions:
What does “all are one in Christ Jesus” mean to you? In your own words, explain the idea of unity in Christ.
Galatians teaches that all distinctions are removed in Christ. How does this link with the theme of solidarity?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see.
We end with a prayer…
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the gift of community and connection. Help us to embrace our differences and find unity in our shared humanity. May we be a source of strength and support for one another, working together to build a world of peace and justice. Amen.
Day 2
We being, In the name of the Father…
Watch the video below and discuss ways you might be able to make a conscious effort to live in solidarity with our global community. Perhaps you can come up with a pledge as a form?
Post your ideas in the comments box below:
We end with a prayer:
Plant in us, Lord,
seeds of solidarity,
so that, rejoicing in your gifts,
we may cherish your presence
in each other and all creation.
Root us, Lord,
in compassion and justice.
Pour your Spirit down like gentle rain,
softening our hearts,
washing away division and selfishness.
Cultivate in us, Lord,
attentiveness to your call.
Give us hope to dream of a better world
and strength to play our part
to make it a reality.
Grow in us, Lord,
your ways of peace and courage,
so that in this time of Lent,
we may bear witness to your love,
revealed to us in Jesus.
Amen.
Day 3
We being with the Sign of the Cross…
This Friday marks the Feast of St Francis of Assisi in the Catholic Church. St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian friar, is revered for his radical commitment to poverty, humility, and love for all creatures. His life and teachings give us an opportunity to reflect on the concept of solidarity, a sense of unity and shared purpose that reach beyond individual differences.
Watch the video below to learn more about St Francis’ life:
We end with a prayer:
O Saint Francis, lover of all creation, Inspire us to embrace the beauty and interconnectedness of all life. Grant us the courage to renounce our selfishness and embrace a life of service.
May we see the face of Christ in the poor and marginalized, And respond with compassion and generosity. Teach us to live simply, to love deeply, and to strive for peace.
St. Francis, intercede for us that we may build bridges of solidarity, Uniting hearts and minds in a common cause. May we work together to create a world of justice, peace, and harmony.
Amen.
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