Monday, May 8, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
2 Thessalonians 2:13–17

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. (NRSV)

Reflection

Traditions get a bad rap. They can sometimes be seen as something boring, useless, and tired. But speak to any psychologist or social scientist and they will tell you that traditions are vital. In short, traditions can help us fulfill what’s known as the Four Bs: Being, Belonging, Believing, and Benevolence. They give us a sense of who we are and whose we are.

Paul is facing a serious challenge with the church in Thessaloniki. A rumor is threatening their community: the end is near, the world is ending, we are all going to die. And Paul, worried that these rumors would destroy the community God has gathered, gives a patient and sure response: Hold fast to the traditions. For Paul, one way to sustain order and hope in a chaotic world is to stand firm in the practices of our faith.

Experts might side with Paul here. You see, when traditions take place with regularity, they bring predictability and constancy to our very unpredictable lives. They connect us with others so we remember that we are not alone. And they help remove us, even if temporarily, from the cacophony of the outside world, giving us the reassurance that all will be well.

There is no denying that the world can often feel a bit chaotic. The pace of change — even good change — can leave us feeling tossed about and disoriented. As Christians, keeping traditions is less about trying to keep things the way they always have been and more about rooting ourselves in the One who never changes, Jesus Christ. For traditions keep us buoyed in our faith amidst a sea of transition and unknown.

Prayer

God, the world is full of rumor and change and yet you are constant in your love for me. Through prayer and practice, help me to root myself in your unchanging promise of love and welcome. Amen.

Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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