God of all creation, you have made each and every human being in your image. You have united us together as a human race — both to you and to one another. You have called us to care for one another as fellow pilgrims of the same creator God. Grant us the wisdom to see how we might meet both the spiritual and material needs of our brothers and sisters around us and help them live out the full potential of being bearers of your image. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Reading – Revelation 7:9-10

A reading from the Book of Revelation

I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever." Amen.

Reflection

In Catholic tradition, the term "solidarity" is also understood as "friendship" or "social charity" (§1939). To have solidarity with our fellow human beings is to see in them our own very self. It means that we act in ways that benefit one another, seeking both spiritual and material goods for the other. And it means working toward a social order that promotes peace and the common good so as to create an environment that enables human flourishing.

These seem like lofty goals, no doubt. But each of us in very small, concrete ways can contribute to a greater friendship among our fellow human beings. We can start by seeing in each other first and foremost, not color nor race or gender or nationality, but rather, the imprint of God's very image. That commonality will enable us to situate our differences as mutually enriching rather than threatening. As the Catechism states, "The differences among persons belong to God's plan, who wills that we should need one another" (1946). When this occurs, we begin to act as friends toward one another, promoting the spiritual and material benefit of each other and establishing a just society that promotes God's peace for the world.

Prayer

Leader: O God of all creation, you have filled the world with beauty. Open our eyes to see your hand in all your works, and teach us to rejoice in the goodness of your gracious gifts. For this we pray:

All: Lord have mercy.

Leader: Gracious Lord, in your infinite wisdom you created human beings in your image and likeness, and you blessed them to be fruitful in this world. Grant us the grace to care for one another as friends and help one another in our common pilgrim journey in this world. For this we pray:

All: Lord have mercy.

Leader: Merciful God, we know that not all conditions in this world are conducive for human flourishing. Be present in a special way to those who are suffering from lack of necessary spiritual and material goods, and, grant us the wisdom to know how we might be agents to relieve the suffering of our fellow human being. For this we pray:

All: Lord have mercy.

Conclusion

Let us now go forth in the grace of God to advance justice and peace to the world, and to see in each human being God's image. Let us rejoice, knowing that the grace and peace of Christ will be with us when we seek to care for each other. And let us not lose hope in the struggle of solidarity. Amen.