A Word of Hope by Fr. Charlie Bouchard, OP.
Jesus tells his disciples that they need to be childlike to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Children can be truthful (sometimes embarrassingly so), affectionate, and humble, but they can also be the opposite of these things. We are to imitate them in their good qualities, not their bad ones.
# Chapter Summary
**0:00** - Introduction from Ireland
Father Charlie Bouchard introduces himself from his vacation in Ireland and mentions the day's topic: Jesus's message to "be like little children."
**0:21** - The Challenge of Being Childlike
Father Bouchard expresses his discomfort with the idea of being childlike and points out that the phrase can have many different meanings. He uses examples of children who are disobedient, mean, and even overly affectionate, none of which are ideal qualities for adults.
**1:51** - What Jesus Really Means
Jesus's message isn't to be childish, but rather to embody the positive qualities of children. Father Bouchard uses the old TV show "Kids Say the Darndest Things" to illustrate this point, sharing a story about a child's unfiltered and honest observation.
**2:53** - The True Meaning of "Childlike"
The speaker concludes that Jesus wants us to be **humble, trusting, and honest** like children, but not disobedient or disrespectful. It's about cultivating clear-sightedness and speaking our minds truthfully, leaving behind the more negative aspects of childhood.
**3:43** - Conclusion
The video ends with a summary of Jesus's message, encouraging viewers to imitate the good qualities of children—humility, affection, and truthfulness—before they are lost in adulthood.