Lesson 2
Good day, friends and seekers of compassion and wisdom, today we explore the profound concept of solidarity that lies at spirituality’s core. As we embark on this journey, we shall draw inspiration from the Jewish and Christian traditions, woven together over millennia, and reflect upon the sanctuary movement of the 1980s, where hospitality was extended to Central American refugees fleeing violence. As we journey through these lessons, may we embody the essence of love, solidarity, and inclusivity, shaping a community where all souls find acceptance and belonging. May our hearts be open to the sacred bond that unites us with those often rejected and forgotten, those standing in the shadows and margins of society.:
Solidarity in the Sacred Texts
Solidarity, though not explicitly spelled out in the verses of the Bible, resonates throughout its narratives. Our sacred text unveils a sprawling mosaic of Israelites’ endeavors to uphold a steadfast bond with both their Creator and the downtrodden. Through the labyrinth of time, this practice of faith has echoed in the stories of old, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of our spiritual heritage.
Consider the instance of Moses, summoned by God to lead his people from the chains of bondage. A skeptic, Moses presents excuses and hesitations, only to be met with God’s resolute promise: “I will be with you.” Within these words lies the very essence of solidarity—a pact that transcends paternalism or shallow pity. It is an alliance formed in the crucible of liberation, two entities working shoulder to shoulder in their pursuit of freedom.
The Incarnation of Solidarity
The birth of Jesus—God incarnate in human form—is an emblematic demonstration of solidarity. God’s boundless love for the world manifested in human flesh, a complete immersion into the human experience. This profound act of solidarity occurred amidst the confines of a stable, within the heart of an empire steeped in imperialism. From its inception, Jesus was ensnared by the clutches of imperial power, compelling him to flee from its menacing grasp. This flight from oppression introduces a pivotal truth—God’s love, in all its resplendent glory, is inextricably intertwined with the persecuted, the marginalized, and the outcast.
The Movement of Compassion
God’s earthly incarnation initiated a movement of compassion and camaraderie. Among those scorned by Roman rulers and the elite of their own society, Jesus commenced his mission. He didn’t seek alliances within the lofty echelons of religious, political, or economic prestige. Instead, his path commenced within the very heart of the marginalized—a path that, in today’s context, could mirror the Artesia Community Guild or Spanish Harlem. To transform the prevailing system, Jesus chose to begin his work among those systematically excluded, those dwelling on the margins.
A Symphony of Solidarity
In the grand symphony of our faith, solidarity forms a harmonious chord that resonates through the ages. As we reflect on the sanctuary movement of the 1980s, where Central American refugees sought shelter from violence, let us remember that the call to solidarity is as pertinent today as it was in the annals of history. It beckons us to embrace the persecuted, the displaced, and the suffering, mirroring the divine solidarity exemplified by Jesus. Just as the threads of a tapestry intertwine to create a masterpiece, so do our actions, shaped by solidarity, weave a profound legacy of compassion and understanding.
