Word yes: Solidarity. Solidarity means being close, standing next to others and taking concrete initiatives. It means sharing the pain, suffering and circumstances of those going through difficult times, even when they do not affect us directly: displacement, loss of home or loved ones, lack of peace and stability, illness, poverty.
Being in solidarity also means remembering others in prayers: those who suffer, those who are sick, those who are homeless, those who are in need or in desperation, especially the youngest. But solidarity is also built in everyday language, in the words that are chosen and taught:
“Go help them.”
“Can’t you see how tired they are?”
“They lost their house after the rain.”
“Can you imagine someone going to sleep without eating?”
“Bring a plate of food to the neighbors: they are fasting.”
“Turn down the music: today they lost a loved one.”
“We bring clothes or toys to the children in the orphanage or shelter.”
Without forgetting to thank the Lord for the moments of peace and serenity, and to think of those who are deprived of them.
Word no: Indifference. Indifference means ignoring or neglecting the suffering of others. It is expressed in phrases like:
“It doesn’t concern us.”
“We don’t care.”
“They are not of our faith.”
“They are not our relatives.”
“They are not part of our family.”
“They already have a lot.”
“They deserve it.”
“They are responsible for their situation.”
It is an attitude that recalls the evangelical parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the poor man left outside the door.
Choosing words is therefore an act of responsibility: everyone’s positions and reactions are reflected in the words. For this reason, each person is called to take responsibility for their own life and way of speaking, especially in the role of woman, mother, educator, sister – as a witness, in everyday life, of what moves and transforms internally.
by Houda Fadoul
Nun in Deir Mar Musa
