Message

of Metropolitan Nektarios

of Hong Kong and South East Asia

for the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse)

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In chapters 38 and 39 of the Book of Job, God gives to Job a wilderness appreciation tour, recounting the majesties of nature from hail to horses. God says about the horse:

“Hast thou invested the horse with strength, and clothed his neck with terror? And hast thou clad him in perfect armour, and made his breast glorious with courage? He paws exulting in the plain, and goes forth in strength into the plain. He laughs to scorn a king as he meets him, and will by no means turn back from the sword. The bow and sword resound against him; and [his] rage will swallow up the ground: and he will not believe until the trumpet sounds. And when the trumpet sounds, he says, Aha! and afar off he smells the war with prancing and neighing.” (Book of Job, 39:19-25)

The virtue of the horse is a great example for the spiritual life of every Christian faithful.

With Christianity being challenged around the world, Christians must be “brave” in living out their faith.

We have to be brave – we have to stand up and witness to the unchanging message of the Gospel.

We must not let temptation, weakness or fear keep us from God.

Solomon the Wise assures us: “The horse is prepared for battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31)

恭喜發財 Kung Hei Fat Choi

With paternal love in Christ

† Nektarios

Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South East Asia