Helping is not just giving

Helping can stop at handing out some change and walking away. That is fine, and sometimes it is needed immediately. But genuine solidarity goes beyond mere handouts: it seeks to help the person move forward on their own, not keep them perpetually dependent on you. That respects their dignity far more. It means not treating the other person as a problem to paper over, but as someone with gifts they can develop if given an opportunity. Sometimes opening a door helps more than offering a coin. And it begins with what is yours: doing your work well, treating people fairly, creating good things for others. Fulfilling your daily duties is already a serious form of solidarity.