Is Tradition Leading in the Right Direction? If not, what's the point?

When I started the Rosary Board back in March, the original plan was to talk about the Rosary and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of His mother. As I have been studying and writing about my faith more, the question arose, “Why do I do the things I do?”  Prayer should conform me to the image of Christ. Jesus Christ does not look like me. I should look like Him. Is what I do a "tradition of men" or one that leads me to God?

Here are some key questions to ask when it comes to tradition in the Church.

1) Do we want salvation?  Here is a heads up: Purgatory will not correct bad attitudes, habits and dispositions. It will not correct an unrepentant soul. That is not the time to discover that we were wrong in our definition of morality. Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN, said years ago that some people live as if they are trying to get into Purgatory. What happens if you aim and miss? The only way left is straight down. As a quick review, Purgatory is purifying before coming into the presence of God. If we don’t want to live in God’s presence for all eternity, He won’t force us to be there!

2) Do we know what salvation is and how to attain it? Faith, hope and love are gifts from God. Grace is a gift from God. Forgiveness is a gift from God. Healing our diseases, opening our eyes and ears and driving out demons are all gifts from God. We don’t work for them. We can’t earn them. They are an undeserved gift. Be thankful by giving Christ your whole being and put off the deeds of the flesh!

Does the light that emanates from God make us uncomfortable? That seems like an awkward question, but it cuts to the heart of who God is and what we should ultimately attain. We should live as if we want to be in heaven! This is a call to look deeper into our lives and repent.

3) Are the traditions we observe leading us toward God or away from God? The Rosary is a means to focus on the Gospel message and pray for the needs of others. The Rosary is a reflection of the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of His mother. When was the last time we thanked the Mother of our Lord for being the Mother of our Lord? Think of what all a mother goes through in giving birth, nurturing and raising a child. Now think of the responsibility of being the mother of the Messiah.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, lets understand where this tradition leads us. Do the customs we keep point us to Christ or to ourselves? Do we anticipate “stuff” more than the coming of our Savior? As the Catechism states, “The first generation of Christians did not yet have a written New Testament, and the New Testament itself demonstrates the process of living Tradition” (CCC 83).

Like chaff among wheat, bad traditions and customs that take us away from God can manifest themselves. Don't assume that all tradition is bad or is a "tradition of men." The fruits of a bad tradition will always lead away from God. Some traditions at this time of year do just that. Sacred Tradition given to us by the Church leads us to Jesus Christ.  

The true meaning of Christmas is that God is with us!

Merry Christmas!

Ave Maria!

Praised Be Jesus Christ! 

Resource:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994.