Crossing from culture to faith (or the lack thereof)

The Lunar New Year is a wonderful time of year. Especially in our hectic and tiresome society today, it's a nice time for families to meet up and catch up on each others' lives.

Chinese New Year is also a time when the young generation immerse themselves into the deep Chinese tradition and culture - the giving and receiving of red packets, the exchange of oranges, and the visiting of loved ones are nice traditions to follow on the occasion.

Some things and/or habits and/or traditions, however, cross the line from plain cultural to divination. And especially this Lunar New Year season, where horoscopes and zodiacs are abundant, we have to be extra vigilant.

Our Catechism teaches us: "All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil' the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone" (CCC#2116).

It can't get simpler and straightforward than that. It is not just potentially dangerous to one's faith; it is also simply disrespectful to God, for us who say there is one.

Let's be clear: there is nothing wrong with reading any horoscope per se - reading in it self is not wrong: as long as what one reads does not challenge one's trust in God. If you honestly - and honesty goes a long way here - will not take any of what is written as even the slightest truth, it's all right to read. You're not "consulting" it, in this case.

But if you are the type who entertains thoughts like, "oh gosh, my year's going to be horrible!" or "I'd better stay away from ugly boys because they will cause me bad luck", be forewarned: you're in the danger-zone. Stay away.

We must each take responsibility in our own faith. The truth is, most of us know our own levels of faith. We know very well how much a superstitious statement can affect the way we live. We should act accordingly to ensure that we don't unnecessarily shake our faith. It is not for us to judge one another, but it is sure good to remind one another. At the very least, let's not judge one another for wanting to look at, or not wanting to look at horoscopes and zodiacs.

Happy Lunar New Year to one and all!