June 16, 2026
— Louis Le Comte · Source: Nouveaux mémoires sur l'état présent de la Chine (1696); Eng. tr. Memoirs and Observations ... Made in a Late Journey through the Empire of China (London, 1697), letter to Cardinal de Bouillon
John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In the beginning the Word was with God, and through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Li Ming's interpretation of the ancient Chinese tradition of reverence for Heaven resonates with the theology of "natural revelation" in Romans. This reminds us that God's universal grace and divine reason (Logos) are deeply imprinted in creation and human history. We cannot use narrow cultural prejudices to imprison the universality of the Gospel. Reflecting on our current missionary work and life testimonies, we should emulate the "contextualized" wisdom of Christ's physical manifestation, keenly perceiving the traces of God's grace left in different cultures and even in the wilderness of individual lives, using respect as a bridge to connect with truth, so that the Gospel can truly take root.
Most High and Holy God of Heaven, Lord of the Universe: In the beginning was the Word, and all things are sustained by Your powerful command. Forgive us for often limiting Your unfathomable love and universal grace with our self-righteous perspective. Lord, grant us heavenly wisdom and humility, so that we may recognize the truth and light You have already reserved within the context of history and diverse cultures. Purify our hearts and minds, so that we may not only proclaim the Gospel in words, but also delve into our situations, using our lives as a bridge of the Gospel that transcends cultures and hearts, leading people back to You, the source of divine reason. Amen.