Let’s talk about a child.
I come from a large family with over two dozen nieces and nephews, numerous uncles and aunts, and more than 50 cousins. Like most priests, I am privileged to participate in the spiritual journeys of families with children in parishes and relationships. Through osmosis and observation, I’ve learned and appreciate the fascinating qualities that define childhood. My childhood experiences, besides. Works on child psychology are a luxury; I’ve learned so much reading some of them, too.
Some Qualities of a Child
Children are naturally curious, driven by an insatiable desire to explore and learn from the world around them. Their curiosity is a thrilling adventure, often nerve-wracking but always inspiring. Imagination is another remarkable trait of children. They revel in enchanting tales of fictional worlds, immersing themselves in stories with a contagious joy.
Innocence is one of their most endearing qualities. Their perspective on life is pure and unfiltered, free from ideological biases or preconceptions. And then there’s their energy—boundless and captivating.
If you’ve ever tracked kids’ daily activity with a smartwatch, you’d be amazed at how many miles they cover just running from one corner of the room to the other. They are constantly in motion, brimming with energy, and always looking for something to do.
Empathy, Honesty, Playfulness, and Adaptability
Their empathy and honesty are equally striking. Children express their thoughts without overthinking or filtering, embodying free speech in its purest form. At the same time, they possess an uncanny ability to sense and respond to the emotions of others.
I recall when my nephew shared his school activities with me over Zoom. Within seconds, he called me out for being distracted. In truth, I was.
Kids can sense when you are present or absent due to their high empathy. Stepping into the shoes of others with surprising ease comes naturally to them. Hence, they mimic others quickly.
Playfulness is their forte—a love for fun, playing, and laughter in almost any situation. They also adapt quickly, adjusting to new environments or letting go of the past when new realities emerge. They live in the moment, enjoying it fully until their attention shifts to something new. Adaptability is one of their greatest strengths.
Trust and Resilience
And then there’s trust and resilience. Children have an innate willingness to believe in others and rely on them for guidance, making them vulnerable yet beautifully open. Despite setbacks, their ability to bounce back is nothing short of admirable.
Learning from the Child
Two of these qualities—trust and innocence—stand out to me as I reflect on God’s Word today.
The Blessed Lord guides us: “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mark 10:15).In divine providence,a childlike trust, acceptance, and honesty are essential to embracing God’s reign in our hearts.
Indeed, God takes the initiative and lavishes us with His providence and grace. Sirach 17:1-15 confirms that God leads us every step of the way. God creates us in His image and likeness, bestowing us the grace of redemption. He nourishes us with virtues such as piety and wisdom and is the source of our moral compass and conscience. The Lord sets the stage from birth to death and life beyond, providing everything we need to thrive. As we learn from fundamental theology, God not only creates; He sustains creation.
In Trust We Come and Are Blessed
In the Gospel, people bring children to the Lord to bless them. We, too, come to God to receive, for He is the source and fountain of all we can ever be.
This childlike trust reflects how children naturally depend on their parents. A child assumes, without question, that mom or dad will provide, pack their school bag, guide them to safety, protect them from bullies, and pay the bills. This is radical trust, precisely what God asks of us.
Does this radical trust diminish our liberty or freedom? Not at all. Instead, it helps us realize that even before we work hard for anything, God has already provided the context and resources to make our efforts fruitful. He is the source, environment, and fountain of all that is good and “supplies all that we need according to His riches in glory in Christ” (Philippians 4:19). To Him be the glory. Amen.
[Readings: Sirach 17:1-15; Mark 10:13-16]
