Welcoming Christ In The Stranger

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Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c. 209 - Memorial

Today's Readings:
[ Wis 3:1-9; Ps 63:1-8; Mt 10:40-42 ]

The memorial of St Alban, the first martyr of Britain, invites us to reflect on a remarkable act of hospitality. According to tradition, Alban sheltered a Christian priest fleeing persecution. In welcoming this stranger, he encountered something far greater than he expected. By the end of the story, Alban had embraced the faith of the one he had received and was willing to give his own life rather than deny Christ. When soldiers came looking for the priest, Alban bore is cloak and pretended to be the one they were looking for rather than turn him over. His ruse ultimately led to his execution by beheading when it was discovered and he would not offer the sacrifices required by the pagan religion of the day. Alban's death is considered to be his baptism.

Jesus' words in today's Gospel speak directly into that story: "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me". What began as a simple act of kindness became an encounter with Christ himself. Alban discovered that when we open our doors, our hearts, and our lives to others, we often find God waiting there.

The reading from Wisdom reminds us that faithfulness is never wasted, even when it comes at great cost. "The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them". From a worldly perspective, martyrs appear defeated. Yet Wisdom sees deeper. Those who trust God are being refined like gold in a furnace, destined to shine with God's glory. Alban's earthly life ended in violence, but his witness continues nearly two thousand years later.

The Franciscan tradition has always emphasized recognizing Christ in the stranger, the poor, and the marginalized. St Francis sought to meet every person as a brother or sister because he believed all creation bears the imprint of its Creator. Alban's example reminds us that holiness often begins not with grand gestures but with ordinary acts of welcome.

The psalmist cries, "O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you". Today, perhaps the answer to that thirst is found in the people God places before us. May we have eyes to recognize Christ in those we meet, courage to remain faithful when faith is costly, and hearts open enough to welcome God wherever he chooses to appear.

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