John Ching Hsiung Wu (Wu Jingxiong) was a prominent Chinese Catholic scholar, jurist, and diplomat whose deep faith and intellectual contributions offer significant support for the New Evangelization. His work bridges the gap between Eastern philosophy and Western Christianity, embodying the spirit of cultural dialogue that the New Evangelization promotes.

Wu’s profound conversion to Catholicism in 1937, after being raised in a Confucian and Buddhist environment, highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the universal call to holiness, which is central to the New Evangelization. His writings demonstrate how the Christian faith can deeply resonate across different cultures, showing that the Gospel is not confined to any one tradition but can be expressed in ways that speak to the hearts of people from various backgrounds.

In his translation of the Tao Te Ching and his work connecting Taoist thought with Christian theology, Wu exemplified the New Evangelization’s call for inculturation—the process of integrating the Christian faith within diverse cultural contexts. This approach not only respects local traditions but also reveals the compatibility of Gospel values with the wisdom of other philosophies, especially when Christ is presented as the fulfillment of humanity’s deepest spiritual longings.

Wu’s life and work offer a compelling model for the New Evangelization by demonstrating how faith can be communicated effectively across cultural boundaries. His intellectual and spiritual legacy encourages Catholics to engage with non-Christian philosophies with respect, dialogue, and openness, which aligns with the goals of Nostra Aetate and the broader call to evangelize with a spirit of unity and love. His example reminds us that the New Evangelization is not just about proclaiming the Gospel, but about deeply listening, engaging, and revealing Christ as the ultimate answer to the human quest for truth and meaning.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux had a profound influence on John Ching Hsiung Wu, particularly through her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood, simplicity, and trust in God’s love. He found in St. Thérèse’s teachings a model of holiness that deeply resonated with his own spiritual journey. Her emphasis on doing small things with great love and her childlike trust in God’s grace offered him a path to spiritual growth that transcended intellectualism and pride, focusing instead on humility and devotion.

In Wu’s conversion process, St. Thérèse played a key role in shaping his understanding of faith. Her “Little Way” demonstrated to him that sainthood was not about grand deeds or intellectual accomplishments but rather about deepening one’s love for God through simple acts of trust and surrender. This resonated deeply with Wu, who had been immersed in various philosophical and legal traditions but was searching for a more personal and intimate relationship with God.

Wu himself wrote extensively about the impact of St. Thérèse on his spiritual life. He admired how she approached holiness through a simple, sincere relationship with God, a contrast to the more complex intellectual pursuits he had been accustomed to. St. Thérèse’s example helped him see that holiness is attainable for everyone, not just through great achievements, but through living everyday moments with love and trust in God’s will. This realization profoundly shaped Wu’s spirituality, leading him to embrace a faith that was deeply personal, humble, and filled with grace.

Through her influence, Wu came to appreciate the importance of humility and simplicity in the Christian life, which significantly shaped his own spiritual outlook and writings, especially as he sought to integrate Christian teachings with Eastern philosophical traditions. In this way, St. Thérèse of Lisieux became a guiding light for Wu, inspiring him to pursue holiness through love, humility, and trust in God’s infinite mercy.

Thomas Merton, the renowned Trappist monk, writer, and theologian, was significantly influenced by John Ching Hsiung Wu in several key ways, particularly in the areas of interfaith dialogue, the integration of Eastern and Western spirituality, and the appreciation for simplicity and depth in spiritual practice.

Interfaith Dialogue

Merton had a profound interest in Eastern religions, especially Buddhism and Taoism, and Wu’s work in bridging Eastern and Western spirituality greatly resonated with him. Wu’s writings highlighted the compatibility of Christian teachings with Eastern philosophical traditions. Merton admired how Wu emphasized dialogue between faiths and how he approached spiritual truths found in both Christianity and Eastern traditions. This dialogue was essential for Merton’s own spiritual journey, leading him to explore how different faiths could inform and enrich each other.

Integration of Eastern and Western Spirituality

Merton sought to find common ground between Christianity and Eastern spirituality, a pursuit that Wu exemplified in his own life and work. Wu’s translations and interpretations of Eastern texts, such as the Tao Te Ching, showcased how elements of Taoist thought could be understood alongside Christian theology. This resonated with Merton’s belief in the universality of spiritual experience and his desire to deepen his understanding of God through multiple cultural lenses.

Simplicity and Depth in Spiritual Practice

Both Merton and Wu shared a deep appreciation for the simplicity of spiritual practice. Wu’s “Little Way,” influenced by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, emphasized doing small things with great love, a theme that Merton echoed in his own writings on contemplative prayer and living a life centered on love and compassion. Merton was inspired by Wu’s ability to articulate profound spiritual truths in accessible ways, which encouraged him to express his own insights on spirituality, meditation, and the quest for God in a manner that was relatable and meaningful.

Spiritual Authenticity and Humility

Merton admired Wu’s humility and authenticity in his spiritual journey. Wu’s conversion from a Confucian and Buddhist background to Catholicism illustrated a sincere search for truth and a commitment to living out that truth. Merton, who himself underwent a profound transformation in his understanding of faith and spirituality, found in Wu an example of someone who embraced his faith with deep conviction while remaining open to the wisdom of other traditions.

Through his writings and spiritual example, John Ching Hsiung Wu had a lasting impact on Thomas Merton, encouraging him to further explore the interconnectedness of faith traditions and the importance of simplicity in spiritual practice. Their shared vision of a spirituality that transcends cultural boundaries and emphasizes love and understanding continues to inspire contemporary discussions on interfaith dialogue and the integration of diverse spiritual traditions.