For Christians, the answer to this Bible quiz should be a no-brainer.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
— Matthew 25:35

And yet, somewhere along the way, too many Christians — across denominations, including our own Catholic Church — have lost sight of the Lord we profess to follow.

The distorted gospel of Christian nationalism has seeped from our politics into our churches, from the pews to the pulpits.

Humility is displaced by entitlement.
Charity by self-interest.
Love of neighbor by fear of the stranger.
The Gospel by the pursuit of power.

And racism, xenophobia and contempt for those deemed “other” are once again being dressed in the language of Christianity.

That is not Christianity.

When the name of Jesus is invoked to justify cruelty, exclusion, domination or the dehumanization of our neighbors, we should be willing to name it for what it is:

Blasphemy.

Jesus already gave us the answer.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

The question is whether those of us who claim His name are willing to live like we believe Him.