Someone we know recently left the Church after being told that her son, who suffers from a medical condition, could not receive communion after taking medication as prescribed by his doctor. Holy Tradition can be a beautiful thing when approached with love for Christ and our neighbor, but when it is applied without understanding or regard it becomes little more than a hollow customs of man. How do we discern the authority of Holy Tradition, traditions, dogmas, economy, and cultural customs? How can Holy Tradition become a source of faith and encouragement rather than doubt and disillusionment? Plus, a fun Greek lesson on the word πέψη, aka Pepsi . . .
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Resources related to this episode:
The New Testament word for tradition is paradosin (παράδοσιν)
New Testament references to tradition we mentioned were: Matthew 15:3-9, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, Colossians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 3:6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-25, 2 Timothy 2-8, 2 Timothy 2:16-17
St. Athanasius' definition of Tradition is found in his first letter to Serapion
St Paul's comments on headcoverings are found in 1 Corinthians 11:4-5
We conclude with Matthew 16:18-20
