Numbers 6:22-27 / Matthew 6:31-34
Today we are gathered in this Mass to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
In the Chinese calendar, this year is the year of the "fire horse".
And since it is the year of the horse, we would want many good things to come our way.
And the horse also stands for strength and endurance.
The Bible also speaks about the strength and the power of the horse.
Warriors ride on powerful horses to win battles.
Chariots are pulled by horses to attack the enemy.
But the Bible also reminds us that no matter how powerful the horses are, those who rely on the strength of the Lord will overcome all difficulties.
The gospel talks about blessings of the Kingdom of God.
We have come for Mass on the first day of the Lunar New Year to ask God for His blessings.
The greatest blessing we will receive will be Jesus who gives Himself to us at Holy Communion.
From Jesus we will learn how to rely and be dependent on God for all our needs.
From Jesus we will learn how to be gentle, how to forgive, how to do what is right and good.
And most of all, we learn from Jesus how to love by giving thanks to God and helping those in need.
At the end of the mass, we will receive blessed oranges in a carrier bag.
Printed on the bag is a red horse with flames for its mane and tail, to symbolise the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
The horse is also galloping towards the cloud, a symbol of God, to symbolise that we want to love God with all our strength and to lead others to God.
May the New Year give us the strength of the horse to love God and to love others.
May the New Year also bring us God’s abundant blessings of peace and joy, and may we be prosperous in good deeds.
