Liturgical Colour : Red
Numbers 6 : 22-27
Then YHVH spoke to Moses saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them : This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say :
‘May YHVH bless you and keep you! May YHVH let His face shine on you and be gracious to you! May YHVH look kindly on you, and give you His peace!’
In that way shall they put my Name on the people of Israel and I will bless them.”
This article was excellently written, especially when trying to harmonise and find the common ground between the Chinese culture and the Christian faith, which although they have their fundamental differences, there are similarities that we should not ignore.
It is fitting indeed that Chinese New Year celebration this year falls on Sunday, 10 February 2013, which is also the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, whose readings have parallels with the core of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Please spend some time to read this article, and especially for Chinese Christians out there, to make the Chinese New Year celebrations we have, into a truly Christian celebration. Not just of partying and feasting, but also to show and spread love and joy, and sharing them with one another, giving thanks to Christ who made all things possible.
As the Chinese New Year is approaching (Sunday, 10 February 2013), Chinese people throughout the world are preparing for the festive season, which is most important in the rich Chinese culture.
However, let us all, especially Chinese Christians, remember that the season of Lent is also approaching (Ash Wednesday on 13 February 2013), and therefore, do not forget that, in all our joys, let us also remember the poor and unfortunate ones around us, and make sure to give some of our joys to them to share together in true joy in the Lord.
And do not forget to pray always for our brethren in faith in China, that they will be strong in their faith despite active persecution by those who hates the Lord and His faithful.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year during this Year of Faith, I would like to express my best wishes to all Chinese Singaporeans that this feast may bring about an increase of faith and love for you and your families.
Faith is an expression of believing in God, even when we do not always understand God’s will in our lives.
To truly live faith-filled lives, we must rediscover a greater understanding of our Catholic faith. It is through a re-evangelisation of our own Catholic faith that we can reach out to our family members and to others in our society.
Faith never travels alone, it is always accompanied by hope and love. By focusing on strengthening our faith this Chinese New Year and the year ahead, we will also increase our hope in attaining heavenly glory, as well as sharing our love to those we most need it.
Let the red packets and gifts we give out at this happy time not only signify the sharing of temporal goods, but also the generous giving of our lives and talents in the service of others.
Let us also continue to offer together our fervent prayers for the Church in China, that Chinese Catholics may be steadfast witnesses of faith to the love that Jesus has shown us and to the Universal Church.
Wishing you all a faith-filled and blessed Chinese New Year!
Yours in Christ
Archbishop Nicholas Chia
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