Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20 / 1 Cor 2:6-10 / Matthew 5:17-37
The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is up and coming, and we can feel it almost immediately after Christmas.
Actually the Chinese New Year decorations were already available in December.
And the traditional colour of this festival is none other than red.
So, from decorations to desserts, from packages to dresses, there must be a flash of red.
Now, we in the church were wondering about what kind of decorations to put up.
We didn’t want it to be too overwhelming, as the second day of the Chinese New Year is the beginning of Lent.
So, after discussing and praying about it, (oh yes, we have to pray but what kind of decorations to put up), we decided on simplicity, dignity and meaning.
So, we chose only one type of decoration, and that is to get some pots of kumquat plants, real plants.
Because it represents life, it represents dignity, and it represents simplicity.
In Chinese culture, the kumquat plant represents blessings and prosperity, as seen by its golden colour an abundant fruit.
And we didn’t forget that dash of red, so there are little red ribbons tied to the branches.
So it is not a loud or fancy decoration, but it leads us to think about life, about God’s blessings, and to give thanks.
What we have learned is that as much as we want to have decorations, whatever decorations we put up should point us to the meaning of the festival and to the blessings of God.
In the gospel, Jesus declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets.
Rather, He came not to abolish but to complete the Law and the Prophets.
Jesus goes on to say that not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is accomplished.
Jesus then brought up what was taught, what the people have learned, and to look deeper at it.
So, we know the Commandment that forbids us to kill.
Jesus teaches us that more than just the act of killing, our words can also kill.
So, curse words like “fool” and “idiot” disregard and also do not respect the dignity of the person who is made in the image of God.
Needless to say, when we gossip and slander others, we may not be shedding blood.
But we are committing character assassination in a vicious and sneaky way.
So too, for the act of adultery. It may not be done physically with the other person.
But to desire and lust for another person destroys the respect for dignity of that other person.
So, we have learned a lot, and we also know a lot, but does all that bring us closer to God?
From what we have learned and from what we know, do we also find meaning in life and walking in the ways of the Lord?
Are we growing in holiness by loving God and loving others?
As we ponder about these questions, we may also be uncertain about the answers.
Here is where the “I don’t know” prayer comes in, although we may not know what that prayer is.
So, what is this “I don’t know” prayer all about?
First, we need to go to somewhere quiet, like the Church or the Adoration Room.
As we sit at the feet of Jesus, let our prayer be this three simple words: I don’t know.
So, we tell the Lord Jesus this:
I don’t know what to do.
I don’t know where to go from here.
I don’t know what is happening.
I don’t know how to handle this situation.
I don’t know, but Lord Jesus, You know.
Yes, we tell the Lord Jesus all the “I don’t knows” that burden our hearts.
And then with faith and love, we say: I don’t know, but Lord Jesus, You know.
And the Lord Jesus who knows all and who sees all that is in our hearts, will reveal to us what we need to know.
As the 1st reading tells us: For vast is the wisdom of the Lord, He is almighty and all seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him.
So, we have learned a lot, and we also know a lot.
But let us also learn to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to know that He will guide us and show us the way to life and to love.