During this season of Advent, we have many examples of an individual figure in Scripture sharing in the very being of another.

• Elizabeth allows Mary's joy to become her own.
• Mary is told that her heart will be pierced because of the connection she will have with her Son.
• John the Baptist devotes his life to being his cousin's keeper, preparing His way.
• And most significant of all – God becomes Incarnate, an act of divinity sharing in humanity in a way that changes the world forever.

Each embodies the depth of connection we hope for in promoting solidarity; where we go beyond the superficial to cultivate a shared sense of commitment to the other's flourishing.

• How might I cultivate a stronger sense that my life is bound to the lives of those I encounter this day?
• How might I cultivate a stronger sense that my life is bound to the lives of those halfway around the world?

A Prayer
In the Book of Genesis, God asks Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" Cain responds with a lie and a question. "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" For each of us, the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. Let us look to our God for the grace to do so with continued purpose.

For those suffering afflictions of body and mind, especially those with few resources
Make their concern, my concern
      Make their hope, my hope

For the victims of human trafficking and slavery of all kinds
Make their pain, my pain
      Make their courage, my courage

For the children and elderly who face this world alone
Make their loneliness, my loneliness
      Make their resolve, my resolve

For those with few prospects of employment who struggle to provide for their family
Make their despair, my despair
      Make their strength, my strength

For those whose world is marked by war and violence
Make their fear, my fear
      Make their faith, my faith

May we each grow in the conviction that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper.