The Tradition Worth Preserving

 

Gospel: Matthew 20: 20-28

"We've always had a lottery!" Yes, Old Man Warner was right about that in Shirley Jackson's famous short story.  We've always had traditions that have been passed along from one age to another.  But the larger question is whether such traditions are worth preserving or whether some of them are in point of fact utterly unethical and deserving of the trash bin.  

Today's Gospel presents us with two traditions that exist side by side, not unlike the wheat and the weeds.  One tradition is that of seeking privilege, power, and influence - the continual arguing over who is more important.  That is one tradition that has been prominent in the life of the Church to this present day.  That such persists is evidence enough that the kingdom and the Church are not synonymous terms.

But there is the greater tradition, the one that should be preserved, and that is a life of humble, loving service to others.  It is a life that seeks no privilege or power, no influence or notoriety.  It puts on no fancy dress or pompous airs.  It serves to the point of death.  This is the only authentic tradition.  This is the the wheat the master sowed; this is the kingdom of God.  Let this be our tradition, and this alone.