What is the meaning of the term “Tradition” in discussing God’s Revelation to us.
In the context of Catholic revelation, Tradition refers to the living and ongoing transmission of God’s word beyond what is written in the Bible. It’s like an echo of God’s voice that has resonated through the Church since its beginning, enriching and deepening our understanding of scripture. Here are some key points:
- Distinct from but connected to Scripture: Tradition isn’t a separate source of truth, but it flows from the same wellspring as the Bible, revealing different facets of God’s message.
- Oral and lived experience: While scripture is written, Tradition encompasses everything passed down through oral teachings, liturgical practices, and the lived experience of the Church community.
- Rooted in the Apostles: It originates from the teachings and experiences of the Apostles, ensuring its connection to Jesus himself.
- Guided by the Holy Spirit: The Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, discerns and interprets Tradition, ensuring its faithfulness to the original revelation.
- Continuous and dynamic: Unlike scripture, Tradition doesn’t stay fixed. It can adapt and develop over time to respond to new challenges and contexts, while remaining rooted in its core principles.
So, remember: Tradition isn’t just old customs or stories. It’s a vibrant, living voice, continually enriching our understanding of God’s love and purpose revealed in both scripture and the life of the Church.
Catechism References
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “Tradition” refers to the living transmission of God’s revelation, received by the Apostles from Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and then passed on to future generations through preaching, teaching, and liturgical practice. Here are some key points about how the CCC defines “Tradition”:
- Distinct but Connected to Scripture: Tradition is distinct from Sacred Scripture, but intimately connected to it. Both are considered sources of divine revelation, flowing from the same wellspring and working together to reveal God’s mystery. (CCC 78, 80)
- Two Modes of Transmission: Scripture is the Word of God written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, while Tradition is the Word of God passed on orally through the generations. (CCC 81)
- Content of Tradition: Tradition encompasses various elements, including:
- Teachings of the Apostles: What they received from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (CCC 78)
- Life and Worship of the Church: The lived experience of faith through the centuries. (CCC 78)
- Theological reflection: Insights gained from studying and interpreting Scripture and Tradition. (CCC 85)
- Liturgy: The celebration of sacraments and other rituals. (CCC 82)
- Apostolic Tradition and Local Traditions: The CCC distinguishes between Apostolic Tradition, which comes directly from the Apostles and is considered authoritative, and local traditions, which develop over time in different parts of the Church and can change depending on cultural and historical context. (CCC 83)
- Interpretation of Tradition: The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has the authority to interpret Tradition and ensure its fidelity to the original revelation. (CCC 85)
Here are some specific citations from the CCC that define “Tradition”:
- CCC 77: “This living transmission, accomplished in the Holy Spirit, is called Tradition, since it is distinct from Sacred Scripture, though closely connected to it.”
- CCC 78: “Through Tradition, ‘the Church, in her doctrine, life and worship, perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that she herself is, all that she believes.'”
- CCC 81: “[Sacred] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit.”
- CCC 83: “The Tradition here in question comes from the apostles and hands on what they received from Jesus’ teaching and example and what they learned from the Holy Spirit.”
“Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord”
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples,”Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share these posts with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
The Author utilized AI in the research and writing of this Post