The value of solidarity
Experiencing solidarity is essential to enable political practices to regain their integrity. Cleaning up the most varied political operating mechanisms is necessary, and urgently.
Solidarity, as a value capable of requalification, makes it possible to rebuild the torn fabric of citizenship. Therefore, at all times, in different societies, it is essential to make references, propose initiatives and reflect on solidarity. At the heart of solidarity practice is the fundamental and non-negotiable principle of consideration for others.
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The apostle Paul makes this recommendation, establishing this value as the foundation of the identity of those who have faith. The apostle explains: God’s gesture is exemplary in offering humanity the most precious thing he has, his son Jesus, the Savior. Thus, God anticipates the gesture of reconciliation with human beings, leaving the fundamental lesson that it is necessary to recognize the importance of others. This “other” is you, me, each one of us. This principle has a balancing force, as it leads civilization in a humanistic direction that allows it to overcome crises.
Sow solidarity
Although the value of solidarity is often recognized, we know that it is not so simple to plant and make this conviction flourish in hearts. In politics, for example, instead of investing in gestures of solidarity, the belief prevails that various advances depend on compromises, party ideologies or simply on promises that are never kept. He is thus content with lucid trials, which are insufficient to meet the urgent desires of the people, especially those who are poorer. Therefore, there is a lack of quality solidarity in Brazilian society.
Almost always, what happens in Brazil is a discourse of self-praise about certain practices dedicated to others. “Loud and clear”, there are those who proclaim that Latin culture and Brazilianness have an inherent value in solidarity. They make dismissive references to other cultures marked by objectivity, interpreting this characteristic as “coldness”. But, in practice, this only serves to ease the consciences of people who do not donate or are content with making timid donations to social projects.
Love others as yourself
Now, this is very different from what the principle presented by the apostle Paul teaches – considering the importance of others. The apostle warns that freedom, when it becomes a pretext to seek what satisfies but is not convenient, causes disasters. It disables the human and spiritual competence to love others as oneself. The result is disastrous, says the apostle: “If you bite and devour one another, be careful not to be consumed by one another!” Paul indicates the way forward: “Become servants of one another through love.”
By following this path and recognizing the value of solidarity, we collaborate with the construction of a culture that encompasses strong senses of belonging, patriotism and refined human sensitivity, which unfolds in more generous gestures and offers. Those who become servants improve their vision of reality and can hear the cries of those who need help.
Experience solidarity
For this reason, it is urgent and a priority, at this time when Brazilian society needs to emerge from the crisis, to recognize that solidarity is decisive in social dynamics. This is not a simple theoretical reflection, but an indication of a moral requirement with transformative force, as it enables the emergence of attitudes that go against the violence that decimates, the corruptions that scrap and the loss of the perception that everyone is equally the target of of decent conditions.
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Solidarity is, therefore, a social principle and moral virtue. Experiencing it is investing in building a new and better context. Without this principle and virtue, the desired social orders cannot be achieved. Personal relationships will continue to be compromised and increasingly deteriorate. And a perverse cycle is fueled, as people become increasingly distant from structures dedicated to solidarity. As a result, out of ignorance, rules and laws are perpetuated, which are inhumane and burdensome.
To practice
Beyond any feeling of vague and superficial compassion, solidarity has the value of awakening and creating an imperishable taste for the common good. And every citizen, to be an eternal learner of the value of solidarity, must practice it, daily, permanently.
This exercise requires considering the importance of others, opening your eyes and ears to never be indifferent to the pain of the world, fighting to leave your comfort zones and letting yourself be bothered by the suffering of humanity. An attitude that even requires the willingness to take money out of one’s own pocket to be allocated to social projects and solidarity actions. Therefore, society will be on the path to overcoming its gaps and citizenship will qualify when the inestimable value of solidarity prevails.
Dom Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Belo Horizonte, Dom Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo, has a doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Current member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. In Brazil, he is a reference bishop for the Eastern Rite Catholic faithful.