Tradition

In our western society there almost seems to be a fear of tradition. Maybe it is because we see them as being tight and inflexible. It was something that my sister and I discussed while I stayed with her during the week leading up to the anniversary of my mother’s death.

I remember years ago reading a story about a young widow feeling very frustrated because the tradition of wearing black for mourning had been done away with. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe her husband was in heaven or that she had no hope of seeing him again but the fact was that her life was not the same and she wanted some way to tell people that her life was different, and she was hurting without having to explain it in words.

I have a personal tradition of wearing a particular top to funerals, not because there is no hope for those that have passed away but because there is a dark time in front of those left behind. The top is black and white which represents the white of purity of God’s love and the blackness of our life without our loved ones.

As we read through the Bible we see that there were many traditions that the Jews held on to, and yes the spirit of these events was often abused. Jesus had a bit to say about them but He also told us to observe some traditions as well. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) to just name one.

Let us be careful not to throw away traditions altogether because they are to remind us of the goodness of God.