by Melanie Guste, RSCJ
“Our experience points to a deeper truth, that of solidarity. Our spirituality impels us toward transformation through our contemplation of the pierced heart of Jesus in the fractures and potentiality of our world. Inspired by Christ’s attitudes, we are bound together in this common effort.” (Sophie’s Gift, Introduction-Paragraph 1)
At a recent fundraiser for a local day shelter for unhoused persons, the former Director of Veteran Affairs shared with me that at her recent testimony at a Congressional hearing she described her work as “of washing one another’s feet.” Intentionally, she was referring to Jesus’s action on the night of the Last Supper, or Holy Thursday. (John 13:1-7)
Seeing her work in this way, and describing it as the work of the agency to a panel of high-ranking officials in positions of deciding its funding, strikes me as not only humble, but as the essential posture of the virtue and Gospel imperative of solidarity. Standing with those who suffer the shockingly traumatic effects of war and violence on the body, mind and spirit, this woman embodied the summons to each of us as Christians in response to the sufferings of all who are afflicted in any way and our union in the open side and pierced heart of Christ. (Constitutions #8)
Looking closely, one can observe: First, she chooses a relationship of service--one of care, of compassion and of tenderness. Second, she gives voice to needs and interests of those who are vulnerable and are suffering. Third, she commits to specific and concrete action(s). Fourth, she makes visible the love of God and Gods intimate presence in the world.
I doubt that this woman would think of herself as a “star that shines alone” but rather as “a part of a constellation in the universe.” (Being Artisans of Hope in a Blessed and Broken World, p. 9)
Her words and actions invite personal reflection during Holy Week.
- How do these calls invite us to put “love into action” as defenders of those wounded and suffering, advocates for justice, and keepers of peace?
- How do we declare in our words and actions that “Solidarity is at the heart of our charism.” (Society of the Sacred Heart General Chapter, 1988, p.12)
