August 30, 2026
What does the Church mean when she speaks about solidarity? Solidarity is both a principle and a virtue. As principle, it reminds us that the good of each person is connected to the good of others. As a virtue, it requires what the Church calls a “firm and persevering determination” to work for the common good, especially for those most in need. Pope Francis often reminded us that solidarity creates communities, not simply masses of individuals.
That challenges us to think beyond ourselves. How can everyone live with dignity? What kind of world will we leave to our children? How do we care for the natural environment that we all share? Today, those questions even extend to our digital world. Technology, data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence can be shared for the good of all—or used primarily for the benefit of a few. The decisions we make about technology today will affect people and generations we may never meet.
For Christians, social justice is not simply an idea or a political position. It is a way of life. It is part of how we follow Jesus. Christ identified Himself with the poor and the abandoned. If we are going to follow Him, we must see them, care for them, and recognize that their good is connected to our own. That is solidarity. And that is what Christ asks of us.
I remember you at Mass.
