"We understand conditional solidarity, but we do not understand solidarity that has no limits", says Henri J.M. Nouwen. This 'unlimited solidarity' is what God has for His people. God's total commitment to them, His solidarity with them in their suffering, will lie in restoring to them their land and their freedom, and all nature and all peoples will rejoice with them. His loving help will disprove the disbelief of those who despair. Isaiah expresses most touchingly this undying divine love when he compares it with human love.

"Does a woman forget her baby at the breast or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you." (Is. 49:15).

Similarly, when Jesus, in the Gospel Reading of today, answers the accusation of the Jews, He tells of the salvation He will win for God's people. He can do this because of His relationship with His Father, the essence of which is obedience to the Father's will, and acting in solidarity with the Father. This solidarity is seen in His appointment by the Father to be "the source of life" and "supreme judge". All Jesus' actions are as one with the Father's will. "My aim is not to do my own will, but the will of the one who sent me" (John:5:30). This solidarity of the Father and the Son means that whoever honours and believes in the Son also honours and believes in the Father, and so will be justly rewarded. "I will never forget you." (Is. 49:15)