Clothed In Kindness

St Benedict wrote in Chapter 53 of his Rule: 'All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.' This powerful teaching reminds us that how we treat those who are new, different, or in need reflects our own values and our understanding of Christian love. 

Hospitality is not just about offering food or shelter; it is about making someone feel valued and respected. True hospitality means putting the needs of the guest before our own, recognising their dignity, and making them feel comfortable, no matter their background or circumstances. 

Recently, we saw an example of a failure in hospitality. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visited the White House, and instead of being welcomed with warmth and understanding, he was publicly questioned about his appearance. A journalist asked him, 'Haven't you got a suit?'—a remark that was not only unnecessary but also disrespectful. President Zelensky, a wartime leader, is known for wearing military-style clothing as a symbol of solidarity with his people who are suffering through war. Rather than looking at his heart, his efforts, and his sacrifice, some chose to focus on something as superficial as his clothing. 

This moment reminds us that when we meet people who are different from us, we must resist the urge to judge them by their outward appearance or circumstances. Instead, we should focus on who they are, what they have been through, and how we can offer them warmth and respect. 

In contrast, the British Army has a longstanding tradition in its officers' messes that embodies true hospitality. When guests are invited to dine, officers do not impose strict dress codes that might make visitors feel uncomfortable or out of place. Instead, they adopt the style of dress worn by their guests. If the guest is in casual clothes, officers will dress similarly. If the guest is in uniform, officers will match that. This practice is a way of showing respect and ensuring that the guest feels at ease. The message is clear: we welcome you as you are. 

These two examples give us a powerful lesson. We live in a world where people are judged quickly—by their clothes, their accent, their background, or their nationality. But as followers of Christ, we are called to do better. Whether it is welcoming a new student at school, including someone who seems different from us, or showing kindness to a stranger, we must always remember that in welcoming others, we welcome Christ himself. 

Today, I challenge each of you to think about how you can be more welcoming in your daily lives. Ask yourself: 

• Do I make new people feel at home? 

• Do I focus on what really matters—kindness, respect, and understanding—rather than appearances? 

• Do I go out of my way to make others feel included? 

Let us strive to be like those Army officers—adapting ourselves to make others comfortable. Let us learn from the mistake made towards President Zelensky and remember that dignity is not found in clothes, but in character. And most of all, let us live by the words of St Benedict, welcoming every person as if they were Christ himself.