October 1, 2023: Hand It Over - Michael Hidalgo

Tradition has long been a part of the Church. Some scoff at it, while others embrace in such a way that it seems they may never let it go. What’s interesting is how Paul speaks to the church in Thessalonica about tradition. He encourages the community there to “hold fast” to the traditions given them. The word he uses for “traditions” literally translated “to give over.” Apparently for Paul neither scoffing at these things and holding fast to them is what we are to do. Rather, like Paul “handed over” teachings to this community, they are to do the same. This makes sense because we are always handing over something to those who follow us. The question is are we doing this with intention? Do we know what we are handing over? In the days of deconstruction in which we find ourselves, this is a pressing and important question for us to consider. As we do we remember the broad, deep stream we swim in when we speak about the Church. We also recognize we do not leave things behind in the way we think we do, rather we carry them with us in new ways. So, what was handed to us, and what are we handing over to those following us? After all, we are all a part of a great Tradition.