The lecture explains the words of the Lord Jesus: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). His Holiness clarifies that this is not a call to childish thinking but to the purity of heart and simplicity of soul that characterize the healthy child. This divine call is an essential condition for eternal life—just like baptism and communion—because it calls man to return to the state of innocence that existed before the world corrupted it.

🌿 The childlike qualities Christ calls us to

1. Innocence and simplicity
   The child knows neither deceit nor suspicion; he believes with a pure heart. Adults often doubt everything, but the child’s heart is simple and trusting.

2. Love of knowledge and learning
   The child asks freely and loves to learn, while adults may be proud or shy to ask. In his humility, the child accepts correction gladly.

3. Continuous growth
   A child grows physically, mentally, and spiritually. Likewise, the believer must always grow in grace and knowledge. Even Christ Himself “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

4. Joy and cheerfulness
   The child lives joyfully, carrying no worldly worries. He quickly forgets sadness, unlike adults who bear heavy burdens.

5. Quick forgiveness
   The child holds no grudges; he forgives easily and reconciles quickly. Such purity of heart is beloved by God.

6. Faith and trust
   The child completely trusts his father and feels safe in his hands. Likewise, the believer must fully trust in the Heavenly Father’s care.

7. Truthfulness and sincerity
   The child does not know hypocrisy or false flattery. His speech and emotions are honest and genuine.

8. Dependence on God
   As a child depends on his parents, the believer must depend on God with total faith and surrender.

🌸 Spiritual dimension

Pope Shenouda emphasizes that children reflect the pure image of God’s creation in man. Therefore, Christ warns against causing any of them to stumble, for whoever corrupts their innocence distorts that divine image.
He also reminds that children are the future of the Church and society, and that we should not only teach them but also learn from them—learning their purity, honesty, and unfeigned love.

🌼 Conclusion

Returning to the simplicity of children is the way to the Kingdom of God. God does not ask us to become childish in mind but childlike in heart—pure, humble, truthful, joyful, and fully trusting in our Heavenly Father.
The child symbolizes the believing soul that lives by faith, dependence, and innocence. Whoever wishes to enter heaven must learn to love, forgive, and trust as children do.

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