Meditation: November 11, 2007

" So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. " 2 Thessalonians 2:15    

Reflection:

It is Christmas Eve in my Norwegian grandfather's home. The dinner menu includes lutefisk, boiled potatoes, rye bread, lingonberries, fruit soup and a variety of cookies. Tradition!

It is the last day of April, and my sister and I are making May baskets using scraps of wall paper saved for the occasion. Filled with candies, they will be put on the doorsteps of friends the following day. Tradition!

It is one week before high school graduation and not a senior is attending class. The seniors have declared a skip day and are picnicking at a nearby park. Tradition!

Tradition, tradition, tradition. In the delightful musical, "The Fiddler on the Roof," the father of the family, Tevye, sings

          "And who has the right,as master of the house,
           To have the final word at home?
           The Papa,the Papa,
           Tradition!"

These traditions, established in the past and held fast by following generations, are a tiny sample of those existing throughout the world.

The traditions referred to in 2 Thessalonians have no reference to lutefisk, May baskets, senior class skip day nor to the final word of The Papa. The apostle Paul is referring to the truths of the Gospel as created by God, handed down to Jesus, passed to the apostles, delivered to the churches of Christ to shape the doctrine followed to this day . . . . our Heavenly Father has the final word.

Prayer: Creator Father, grant us a faith strong enough to stand firm and hold fast to the traditions you have given us. Amen         

Question of
the Week: Why do I fail to care for the church traditions as I care for those of lesser importance?         Meditation written by Beverly Patterson of the St. John's Writing Team.