stand firm and hold to the traditions

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 Psalm 96:10-13 Matthew 23:23-26

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

We often here the warnings that doom is right around the corner so we must act quickly.  Paul seems to be giving another strategy to the people here.  When the time comes it is important that we hold firm to the traditions that we have been taught.  One might call that conservative ideology, but it is the ideology that we are given by the Bible.  It is important to hold firm to tradition because in time of trouble we don't think clearly and we must rely on what we know and have known.  Tradition is also them mechanism through which the truth is handed down from generation to generation.  When we abandon tradition we leave our selves vulnerable to corruption.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to hold firm to your traditions so that I will be strong in time of trouble.  Help me to not allow tradition to become a device of my own pride, but a discipline of faith in you.

Amen