Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 332 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 332 – Part I. How is the solidarity of Christians with other people expressed?

(Youcat answer) Christians are committed to just societal structures. Part of this is universal access to the material, intellectual, and spiritual goods of this world. Christians also make sure that the dignity of human work is respected, which includes a just wage. Handing on the faith is also an act of solidarity with all mankind.    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1948) Solidarity is an eminently Christian virtue. It practices the sharing of spiritual goods even more than material ones.    

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Solidarity is the practical hallmark of a Christian. Practicing solidarity is not just a command of reason. Jesus Christ, our Lord, identified completely with the poor and the lowly (Mt 25:40). To refuse solidarity with them would be to reject Christ.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1939) The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of "friendship" or "social charity," is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood (Cf. John Paul II, SRS 38-40; CA 10). An error, "today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity, dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. This law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father, on behalf of sinful humanity" (Pius XII, Summi pontificatus, October 20, 1939; AAS 31 (1939) 423 ff).    

(This question: How is the solidarity of Christians with other people expressed? is continued)