During the Lunar New Year, I wonder how many red packets have you received? It has become a custom to exchange greetings with people and then hope to receive a red packet in return. But does that mean we only bless others in order to receive tangible rewards?
Blessing is actually an important thing to do and a powerful action. It not only gives us the opportunity to communicate with others but also serves as a chance to reconcile with them and express care. After all, we want everyone to be happy and have peace in their lives.
I want to share a personal experience from the Lunar New Year, I once had a meal at McDonald’s and saw a janitor, and she helped us clean up the table. I felt grateful for her efforts, so I gave her a red packet to say thank you. She accepted it with thanks and later came back to give another red packet to a child who was with me. We then engaged in a conversation in a festive atmosphere. Although this was just an ordinary moment in life, the message I want to convey is that New Year’s blessings are also an opportunity to show care to others.
Every year during the Lunar New Year Mass, the church reminds us of the meaning of blessings through the Beatitudes. The first beatitude is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 中文譯作神貧或貧窮. In simple terms, it means to desire God above all things, and the term “poor” reminds us more directly that the focus of New Year blessings is not on the money in the red packets but on mutual care and blessings.
The theme for this month is “hardworking/diligence.” We have heard the principal’s tips for hard work and Ms. Brenda Lee’s teachings on the importance of diligence in the Bible. Today, I want to emphasize that our diligence should have a goal that aligns with God’s will. While striving for excellent academic results, let us also pursue excellent character. Let’s continue to work hard and be diligent with the spirit our school motto, Ora et Labora, do our best in academic pursuits and glorify the Creator with our work.
Sunday, 4 May 2025