In a world that often seeks change and novelty, we, as Catholics, are called to embrace the timeless traditions that have been handed down to us through the ages. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (St. Matthew 28:19-20) This Great Commission is not an invitation to create something new, but rather to pass on the teachings and traditions that have been given to us. Our faith is rooted in the past, in the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. It is a faith that has been nurtured and preserved through the centuries. The traditions of the Catholic Church are like a precious inheritance. They are the practices and beliefs that have been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Our sacraments, and our moral teachings are all part of this sacred tradition.

In the epistle to the Hebrews, we are reminded of the importance of holding fast to our confession of faith. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised).” (Hebrews 10:23) This passage reminds us that our faith is not subject to the changing winds of the world. It is a constant, an anchor in the stormy seas of life.

Remaining faithful to tradition means cherishing the wisdom of those who have gone before us and using it as a guide for our lives today. It means finding comfort and strength in the familiar rituals of our faith, in the Eucharist, in the rosary, and in the timeless teachings of the Church.

We are not alone in this journey. We are part of a great communion of saints, both living and departed, who have embraced the same traditions and passed them down through the ages. We are united with Catholics across the world and throughout history.

May each of us remain faithful to the traditions of our ancient faith. Let us continue to pass on the beauty and richness of our faith to the generations that follow. In doing so, we honour the legacy of our forebears and, most importantly, we remain faithful to the unchanging truth of Christ.

God bless you +
Fr. Charles