Maria Riley, OP, of Center of Concern wrote in their November 2002 issue of Center Focus that a "spirituality of solidarity is rooted in the experiential knowledge that God is at the center of all life, creating a unity and community among all humankind and all of creation. However, this unity and community is buried and invisible under our histories of human prejudice, error, ignorance, malice, war, hatred, domination and greed which have separated people from one another and from the earth. Rather than unity, we live in disintegration; rather than community, we live in armed camps."

A sense of solidarity sprang forth on a worldwide basis following the horrible outcomes of the tsunami on the peoples and regions of Southeast Asia. There is a strong call in the hearts of people of every faith and nation to stand with, comfort, and help bring healing and recovery to people who suffered incomprehensible loss and pain.

A shared sense of our humanity, of our unity, is life-giving. A commander of a U.S. ship helping victims of the tsunami reflected: "My heart is broken when I see the devastation. This is a new kind of service. I have been in the military for 34 years. When all is said and done, this will be the one that I am most proud of."

With such solidarity, may we help birth justice, peace, healing and recovery to suffering, oft-neglected or forgotten peoples and regions -- such as the Sudan, Colombia, and Manitoba.

In solidarity, may we bring -- as Janet McKenzie beautifully interprets in her Epiphany -- three gifts essential to life itself: presence, love, and daily bread."

In solidarity, may we be part of -- as Maria Riley encourages -- "creating a unity and community among all humankind and all of creation."