For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.
Tradition can be a blessing. It can also be a curse. Especially during difficult times, many of us seek comfort from traditions. It is vital to remember though, that traditions are no substitute for Christ Himself. Traditions do not and cannot supersede the Gospel.
Tradition has always been a comforting crutch for humans. And they have their rightful place in the church. That place however is not to replace Jesus Christ. That place is not to displace the mission of the Church.
Jesus warned the Pharisees with this saying attributed to the prophet Isaiah, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’” (Matthew 15:8-9)
The specific occasion incident provoking this warning was the Pharisees’ criticism of the handwashing ritual (or lack thereof) of the disciples. The tradition revolving around sharing a meal had become more important than the participants and fellowship of that shared meal. Their love of tradition displaced their love of neighbor.
The broader context provoking this warning is anytime we let tradition become overly important. Traditions’ ascent to a position higher than warranted can at worst turn the tradition into an idol; and at best, preclude and thereby hinder the proclamation of the Gospel. Phrased more simply, when traditions become too valuable to us, we are tempted to either replace God altogether or bury God under the tradition making it more difficult for others to witness His grace and mercy.
The challenge is identifying and retaining the focus on our mission as a congregation. This is not a new challenge. Church bodies and congregations have been struggling with various versions of that issue for roughly two thousand years. Do we consider our mission the maintenance of our traditions? Is our mission to return to a previous era or assuage our own consciences? Or is our mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
The same struggle plagued the Corinthians. People with different traditions and perspectives were brought together by Christ and they had to determine whether it was Christ or the traditions that united them. The challenge was discerning the means to always prioritize the Gospel above all else.
We are called to be the Body of Christ and proclaim Him crucified and risen. Some years will be more challenging than others. Some years will offer greater temptation than others. Our identity is in Christ. Paul’s explanation to the Corinthians is just as valid today as it was back then. Our mission is to reveal saving power of Jesus Christ to all the world. Sometimes shine the light of Christ requires us to set aside our wants, comforts, and expectations. We do so not for our own glory (or martyrdom), but for the sake of the Gospel. If we truly believe in the life-changing power of God, it is worth our own discomfort to share that gift with others.
We have already seen and heard the promise of truth, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5) God’s glory has been revealed to us – we are called to help others see than glory as well. John the Baptist was given a vital role. “He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.” (John 1:7-8) We, the apostle Paul, the disciples, and all believers participate in that same mission. We are called and sent to testify to “the true light, which enlightens everyone…” (John 1:9)
In some ways, reflection on 2020 evokes (somewhat facetiously) the passage in Revelations, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelations 7:14b) It has been a year fraught with challenges and temptations. Yet, 2020 also prompts this passage, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35) It is a valid question for all believers, congregations, and church bodies. As challenging as 2020 was, were you separated from the love of Christ?
We do not know what the future will bring. We will certainly face more challenges and temptations. We will also certainly be led by the Holy Spirit. We will continue to explore creative means to proclaim the Gospel in Word and Deed. We will continue to repent and receive forgiveness. We will continue to pray for guidance and strength. We will continue to be fed by Word and Sacrament. We face each day confident that no matter what 2021 brings, we will not be separated from the love Christ.
Christ’s light shines brighter than any darkness. Let that light emanate through you. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:6) As you testify to the light, keep before you Christ’s parting promise in Matthew, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
The grace and peace of God keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Carla
pastorcarla 