Matthew 11:25 is a Bible verse in which Jesus praises God the Father, stating: "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." [1, 2]
This verse marks the beginning of a famous passage where Jesus reflects on divine revelation. He expresses gratitude that spiritual truths are often concealed from those who consider themselves intellectually or theologically "wise," yet made clear to those who are humble, simple, and receptive—like "little children." This theme emphasizes that spiritual understanding comes through grace and humility rather than human intellect. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
像孩子一樣
「父啊，天地的主，我稱謝祢，因為祢將這些事瞞住了智慧和明達的人，而啟示給小孩子。」
（瑪竇福音 11:25）
耶穌提醒我們，真正認識天主，不是憑著知識、能力或成就，而是一顆單純、信賴的心。
真正的智慧，不在於知道得更多，而在於願意向天主敞開自己，讓祂引領我們的生命。
這正是白冷精神所珍視的第一個態度──像孩子一樣的心。孩子全心信賴父母，相信自己被愛、被照顧；同樣地，福傳者首先學習信賴天主，在祈禱中聆聽祂，在生活中跟隨祂，而不是只依靠自己的能力。
白冷外方傳教會相信，真正的福傳，不是展現自己的才幹，而是讓基督的愛透過我們流向他人。因此，我們尊重每一種文化、每一個民族，與地方教會攜手同行，在陪伴與服務中見證福音，而不是追求權力或掌聲。
今天，願我們也懷著一顆像孩子般單純的心，把自己交託給天主，讓祂更新我們的生命，並把這份愛與希望帶給每一位相遇的人。
白冷精神提醒我們：
真正的福傳，始於一顆願意信賴天主、像孩子一樣謙卑的心。
圖說：陳文生．《孩子的傷痕》
陳文生是台東卑南族建和部落第69代頭目。身為部落長老，他肩負著傳承族群文化的使命。《孩子的傷痕》描繪生命在成長中所經歷的傷痕，也提醒我們：唯有保有一顆如孩子般單純、願意信賴的心，才能在傷痕中重新找到希望與力量。
圖：Peter Hong 洪崢
Like a Child
“I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and have revealed them to little children.”
(Matthew 11:25)
Jesus reminds us that truly knowing God does not depend on knowledge, ability, or achievement, but on a heart that is simple, humble, and full of trust.
True wisdom is not found in knowing more, but in opening ourselves to God and allowing Him to guide our lives.
This is the first attitude cherished in the Bethlehem spirituality—the Spirit of Childhood. Just as a child trusts completely in the love and care of loving parents, so too the missionary first learns to trust in God: listening to Him in prayer, following Him in daily life, and relying not on personal strength but on His grace.
The Bethlehem Mission Society believes that authentic mission is never about displaying our own abilities. Rather, it is about allowing the love of Christ to flow through us to others. For this reason, we respect every culture and every people, walking together with the local Church, witnessing to the Gospel through companionship and service rather than seeking power or recognition.
May we, too, approach God today with the trusting heart of a child, entrusting ourselves to Him so that He may renew our lives and make us instruments of His love and hope for everyone we meet.
The Bethlehem spirit reminds us:
True mission begins with a humble heart that trusts God like a child.
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Caption: Wen-Sheng Chen, The Wounds of a Child
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