Bloggers Banter over Traditions–Whats Wrong with them?

  Traditions! Traditions! Traditions!

Whats wrong with TRADITIONS?

 

 

The decision to go to wash the feet of the poor is a continuation of a “tradition” Pope Francis has brought  to the papacy from his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires. Last year, he made history when he celebrated the first Holy Thursday Mass of his pontificate at Rome’s Casal del Marmo prison, personally washing the feet of the inmates.

Bloggers Banter over Traditions

Below some of the bantering over Pope Francis and discarding Traditions tossed around on Twitter and Blogs this past year. What about it, and what does it mean for the future?

Here are some of my unsolicited thoughts regarding  Pope Francis and the discarding of some “Traditions”.  What can be discarded what needs to be kept?  Read more

I like Traditions! I am comfortable with Traditions’ they are a safety net of sorts. They have meanings and make us who we are! I immediately thought of a scene from the Fiddler on the Roof and a song from that movie called Traditions!  

The Papa cried out in scenes as each of his Jewish daughters left to be married forsaking old Jewish customs.  It shows his struggle with God over the breaking of long cherished religious customs!  The Papa,  his poignant struggle-back and forth yes or no!  And finally he lifts his fist yelling towards the heavens “TRADITION!!” what is wrong with Traditions? Yes, There are rich symbolism’s in the long traditions of the Papacy but symbolism are nothing if they are not lived! If Christ is not lived!

Breaking a centuries-old tradition, Pope Francis washed the feet of a dozen inmates at a juvenile detention center last year when washed the feet of 12 teens from all religions, including two Muslims. Another surprise was that among the 12 there were two girls one was Muslim.  After he washed their feet He dried them off with a cloth made with yarn from the Holy Land. It also contained pieces of a fishing net used by fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

I have to confess being on the more conservative bend that this was a lot for me to digest.  I believe in TRADITIONS!  I was thinking What about the priesthood and the  institution of  the Mass and the Blessed Eucharist?  Both are in need of attention and reform. What does this all mean?

As if reading my mind the pope told the media in his homily after the event last Holy Thursday:  “What does this mean? That we have to help one another. If you are angry at someone, let it go. And if they ask you for a favor, do it. Jesus teaches us this, and this is what I do, I do it with all my heart, because it’s my duty.”

The Pope has taught us  not only by word but more importantly by example  that If we have the real presence of Christ we also must be more like Christ in our actions in regard to our neighbor! If we do not treat our neighbor like Christ we are fooling ourselves. We are living a dream world.

Even if we have the perfect priest and the perfect Liturgy. If Christ does not change us we have nothing, we are nothing!  In the end we will be judged with Our Lords words in Matthew 25:41-4  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”

Jesus Christ Crucified Have Mercy upon us! Mary Most sorrowful, Pray for us! Passion of Christ, Strengthen us! Lord, I must imitate you! Lord Help me! Even when I do not understand!

Also see: 

A  priest never belongs to himself he must be configured to Christ!

 A Priests Concern should always be Salvation of Souls!

Bloggers Banter over Traditions!

The Priestly Blessing is an Epiphany for those with faith!