Tradition

Today's readings: Ps 101, 109; Hos 4:111-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39

Since Jesus first challenged the Pharisees and their understanding of the law, his followers have struggled with our relationship to custom and tradition. Some, like Paul, are able to see beyond tradition to a wider ministry. Others like the church in Jerusalem have a harder time letting go. Today Christians do not observe many Jewish traditions or customs, but we have added many of our own that can make us seem as rigid as Pharisees. How do we know when to hold on, and when to let go?

Paul’s efforts to gather Gentiles under the umbrella of Christ’s grace caused many to doubt his commitment to his Jewish identity. Like many efforts at inclusiveness, Paul’s acceptance of the other was interpreted by his own community as a rejection. To assuage their concerns, Paul went through the Jewish rituals of purification, but he understood his salvation was in Christ, not in ritual. Modern churches experience this phenomenon when leaders reach out to new people with different customs. My own church struggled with adopting inclusive language, as some people interpreted it as a rejection of the masculine rather than a way to share the Gospel more effectively. From rearranging furniture to changing the structure of the liturgy, some people will resist change – and grace.

But we don’t change for the sake of change. When Jesus, using wine as a metaphor, declares “The old is good,” (Luke 5:39), he is talking about the very old – the love and purpose of God that predates even the law. We tend to think our customs and traditions have always been, and after a time we stop reflecting on the purpose they serve. In some churches, a misstep during the offertory, a bungling of the Words of Institution, or an improperly stored card table can cause great consternation. When this happens, it is time to examine whether our traditions are serving the very old, or if we – like the Pharisees – have lost sight of their true purpose. In the latter case we do not necessarily have to change our traditions, but we do need to renew our relationship to them.

As faithful followers of Christ, we should respect what he respected, and challenge what he challenged. To do this well, we must know why we do what we do.

Challenge: Learn why your church worships the way it does. If no one can really tell you, start a conversation about it.

Prayer: Glorious Creator, I seek to know your purposes.

Evening readings: Ps 119:121-144


Tomorrow's readings: Ps 105:1-22; Hos 5:8-6:6; Acts 21:27-36; Luke 6:1-11