How should Christians welcome strangers who walk through the doors of the Church?
Drawing from Romans 15:7—”Receive one another just as Christ also received you”—this moving homily challenges every Catholic to examine how we welcome visitors, newcomers, converts, and those searching for God.
Inspired by the unforgettable words of Metropolitan Anthony Bloom, this reflection asks a sobering question: Could our actions unintentionally keep someone from ever returning to church?
God receives us in our weakness, not so that we remain there, but so that we may grow in holiness. In the same way, every Christian community is called to extend genuine hospitality, friendship, charity, and love to those seeking Christ.
This homily is especially relevant for parish communities, RCIA candidates, converts, Orthodox and Catholic Christians, and anyone desiring to build a more welcoming Church.
“Receive one another just as Christ also received you, to the glory of God.” — Romans 15:7
00:00 Sponsor – iCatholic Mobile
00:31 Christ Is Among Us
00:51 Preparing a homily through prayer and study
01:18 Metropolitan Anthony Bloom’s influence
01:56 Romans 15:7 – Receive one another
02:30 The unforgettable story of the woman who left church
03:11 Receiving Adam into the Church through Baptism
03:32 How do we welcome strangers?
04:26 Is our parish truly welcoming?
05:08 Have we unintentionally hurt others?
05:50 God receives us to transform us
06:14 A testimony of authentic Christian hospitality
06:47 A challenge for every parishioner
07:27 Building God’s Kingdom together
07:45 Sanctifica App Sponsor
