Numbers 6:22-27 / James 4:13-15 / Matthew 6:31-34
There is this theory of evolution that man is evolved from apes.
Whatever we think about it, the point here is that it is just a theory.
Anyway if man is evolved from apes, then why is it that there are still apes around?
Today we are not here to discuss about science and evolution. We are here to celebrate Chinese New Year and in the Chinese zodiac, today begins the Year of the Monkey.
But we are not going to talk about the monkey or what the Year of the Monkey has in store for us.
But as we incorporate this ethnic and cultural celebration into our religious celebration, we are also doing something very profound.
What we are doing distinctly separates us from the rest of the animal species, inclusive of the monkey.
We are gathered here to offer worship and thanksgiving to God, something that even the most intelligent of animals cannot do.
We are not just one of God’s creatures; we are God’s children, and in Christ we call God “Father’.
And as we offer up our prayers and petitions to God our Father, we are reminded by Jesus in the gospel that God our Father knows what we need.
We only need to set our hearts on His kingdom first, and on His righteousness and all these other things will be given to us.
Hence we are urged not to be too worried and anxious about tomorrow, because God will handle it all for us.
Nonetheless, since this is the Year of the Monkey, maybe the monkey may have something to tell us.
There is this proverb that says: Even monkeys fall from trees. It means to say that no one is perfect; everyone falls at one point or another in life.
But for us, we are assured that when we fall, Jesus is there is help us get up and get on with life. That is the faith we must have in Jesus our Saviour.
We are also familiar with the “Three Monkeys” and what they represent – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
But that may have something more to tell us:
Don’t see everyone’s flaws; always look for the good in people.
Don’t listen and believe in everything we are told; not everything is truth.
Don’t speak if it is not kind; only speak words of kindness.
So let us know that just as monkeys can fall from trees, we are not that perfect either.
And with that let us not see the imperfections in others but to see the goodness in them.
Let us not listen to what will cause discord but let us open our ears to the Good News of the Lord.
And as we listen to what is good, so must we speak what is good.
With that, may the Lord bless us and keep us, and may His face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
And may the Lord grant us peace in the Year of the Monkey.