FAITH MATTERS:
This September, learn to trust like a child: Nurturing faith as a new school year begins
August 22, 2026
By Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
September marks the beginning of another academic year. Children are returning to school and we return to a more familiar pace after the relaxed days of summer.
Learning is a part of life, and our schools provide an environment where the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is made possible. These institutions help form the youth of today into responsible citizens of tomorrow in partnership with parents, teachers and administrators.
It is easy to forget that, as adults, we still need to be lifelong learners. Throughout life we can learn many things if we have the right attitude.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told that Jesus called a little child to him and said to those around him, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4)
Jesus invites us to have a childlike attitude. This means having a humble and trusting heart that relates to God as a child responds to a loving parent.
To be childlike is very different from being childish. It is often associated with impulsive, selfish and irresponsible behaviour. A childish person is often immature and lacks self-awareness.
Jesus tells us that we must be more dependent upon him who loves us like a parent.
We must learn to worry less and trust more. That is not easy.
For me, the greater challenge is to be more childlike and that is because of one simple reason. I like being in control of my life.
I think we can all agree that the world around us is becoming more complicated.
There are so many things that are out of our control. As a result, we can either become more anxious and fearful or learn to trust in our God who watches over us with love and concern.
There is no doubt that it is difficult to trust a stranger. This is because trust builds upon a relationship. The more you know a person, the easier it becomes to trust.
This also applies to God.
If we do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, how can we trust him? If we do not take the time to know him, speak with him, and love him, Jesus will remain a stranger.
When this happens, it is easier to become childish rather than childlike.
St Thérèse of Lisieux is a beloved saint of my own faith tradition. Her spirituality is rooted in having a childlike trust in God combined with simple actions that are done with great love.
She called this spiritual path her “little way.”
In her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” St. Thérèse explains the “little way” with an example. She talks about a small child that is learning to stand but does not yet know how to walk.
In his desire to reach the top of the stairs to find his mother, he lifts his little foot to climb the first stair. It is all in vain, and at each renewed effort he falls. From the top of the stairs, his father looks at him with love.
Soon, won over by the child’s fruitless efforts, he comes down and carries him up the stairs in his arms.
St. Thérèse reminds us that, just like learning to walk, we must also learn to allow God to carry us. When we find ourselves falling or being overwhelmed by life, we need learn how to respond with childlike trust.
Something to ponder as we begin a new school year.