By Elizabeth Westhoff

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” – Gustav Mahler

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 17 through 19, Jesus Christ addresses a fundamental aspect of His mission and the continuity of the Jewish law. This passage reads:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

This passage underscores Jesus’s respect for the Jewish law and the tradition it represents. Here, Jesus affirms that His mission is not to discard these foundational teachings but to bring them to their full expression. The notion of “fulfillment” suggests that tradition is not merely to be maintained for its own sake but is a living, evolving guide to spiritual and moral life.

Tradition is seen as good because it provides continuity, stability, and a sense of identity. It connects generations, offering wisdom passed down through time. By fulfilling the law, Jesus does not negate tradition but enhances it, showing that faithful adherence involves understanding and embodying the deeper meanings behind the commandments. This approach elevates tradition from mere ritual to a dynamic force for good, encouraging a life lived in harmony with divine principles.

Jesus, therefore, positions Himself as the bridge between law and love, tradition and innovation. He teaches that while the law must be observed, it should be done with the heart’s full engagement, recognizing that tradition is not an end but a means to connect with God’s eternal truth. This passage invites believers to honor tradition by living out its essence, thereby ensuring that the law is not just followed but is felt and experienced in everyday life, making tradition a vital component of spiritual growth and communal identity.

Prayer:

Gracious God, we are grateful for the enduring wisdom of Your Law and the teachings of the Prophets, which Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill. We acknowledge the profound importance of tradition as a bridge connecting us with the faith of our ancestors, teaching us to walk in Your ways. Help us to embrace these traditions with open hearts, understanding that they are not relics of the past but living paths to righteousness. Instill in us a deep respect for the customs and teachings that have guided Your people so that we might teach others with reverence and love. Let our lives reflect the continuity of Your truth, celebrating tradition as a vital part of our spiritual journey, ensuring that we are counted as faithful in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Call to Action:

Commit to praying for the acceptance of our faith tradition both within our own faith community as well as within the communities of our separated brethren.

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