“Perhaps the only chance for survival of humanity is, in the end, in a sense of solidarity,” Viktor Frankl wrote in his book Ante el vacío existencial. And it seems like a catastrophic affirmation based on something as fragile as the solidarity of human beings since we normally place our hope, and therefore the possibility of surviving, in political or economic systems and models.

What is the value of solidarity gestures facing such complex situations as the one we are experiencing in Venezuela? What social, political, and economic impact does this solidarity movement and of help to the other which is born of human beings have?

There are countless solidarity initiatives in Venezuela that are giving answers to the innumerable and complex problems we have in all areas. And it is important that we realize that “solidarity is not a superficial feeling, it is the firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good, that is, the good of each and everyone so that we are all truly responsible for everyone” (SRS 38. John Paul II).

This does not remove the need for major changes at the political, economic, and social level, but any development perspective has to consider that “we are all really responsible for everyone”. That is why it is important that we are able to disseminate and favor gestures, initiatives, organizations and works that point to the common good of all Venezuelans based on solidarity. Because as the great Chesterton wrote: “If something is really worth doing, it is worth doing it at all costs”.

It is time to fight, with patience and intelligence, injustice with solidarity (as we wrote in the previous issue), to make known all the good things that are happening, and to start connecting these solidarity initiatives in favor of the common good as constellations on a dark night.

But how can we not faint or fatigue in the face of the magnitude of the problems but rather favor this solidarity? Is this possible only with our will and persistence in the face of the problems mentioned by Chesterton?

“Solidarity is not an automatic mechanism, it can not be programmed or controlled: it is a free response that comes from each of our hearts. Yes, a free response! If we understand that your life, even in the midst of many contradictions, is a gift, that love is the origin and the meaning of life, how can you stop the desire to do good to others? “(TED 2017 Pope Francisco).