Tradition! Rituals & Practices

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: Both the anchor that holds us steadfast and the jail that locks us in place, traditions form an important part of our social fabric. Although more stylized, rituals, like traditions, bind us to our history and focus our intentions. Practices, on the other hand, are designed to help us focus on our good intentions and to move beyond our current capacity to do or understand the task at hand. Each religion has its own set of spiritual practices, but most fall into the realm of: Prayer, Worship, Study, Service, Generosity, Confession/Repentance/Forgiveness, Non-violence, Mindfulness, Silence, Fasting, Pilgrimage, and Hospitality. Tonight’s discussion has us consider traditions, rituals, and practices..

Sentences on the Subject: “Just because something is traditional is no reason to do it, of course.”Lemony Snicket

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”  Gustav Mahle

Tevye (read in a loud voice): Because of our traditions, we’ve kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything… How to sleep, how to eat… how to work… how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered and always wear a little prayer shawl. This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, “How did this tradition get started?” I’ll tell you…………….I don’t know. But it’s a tradition… and because of our traditions….Every one of us knows who he is and what God expects him to do.

“In the waters of your baptism, God claimed and named you as God’s own.” Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sermon on Baptism

“As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, do so in memory of me” Christ

“I’m going to walk the Camino de Santiago.” Tom in the film “The Way.”

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick-start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Every family and culture has traditions. Name a tradition you hold dear. Why does it matter to you, and what does it tell you about identity and belonging?

Probe 2. Traditions can also be challenged or become harmful when followed unthinkingly. Recall a time a tradition in your life was questioned or changed. What happened: was there conflict, grief, or relief? Why did it play out that way?

Probe 3. Rituals are patterned practices—rites of passage, pilgrimages, commemorations, celebrations, fasting, inversion (suspension of the rules), & sacrifice ( alms giving, fasting). Which rituals have you experienced or found interesting? Describe one (its shape, meaning, and effect). Have any rituals you know slipped from meaningful practice into mere performance?

Probe 4. You may have heard of a “non-practicing Jew”, someone who is born Jewish but is not observant. Someone can identify as Muslim but not perform their rituals or practices (they are considered “bad-Muslims). Paul (and Luther) said that “Grace Alone” was sufficient, while James argued that without works, faith was dead. How do you understand the relationship between religious/faith identity and practice? Can someone belong to a tradition without actively practicing it? What feels meaningful or problematic about that to you?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.