In Fiddler On The Roof...
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In "Fiddler On The Roof" the big opening musical number is called "Tradition!" Tevye sings of the conflict between tradition and change. Later, at his daughter's wedding, he sings poignantly of how quickly things change with time: "Sunrise, Sunset, Swiftly flow the days; Seedlings turn overnight to sunflow'rs, Blossoming even as we gaze ... When did she get to be a beauty? When did he grow to be so tall? Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?"
As wonderful as tradition can be, Paul realized that we need always to be willing to see our traditions in a new light. Even Christian theology can become a dead tradition which veils the gospel. Christians do not primarily look backwards nor do they stand still. Day be day, sunrise by sunset, our traditions, like our children and everything that lives and grows, are transfigured before our eyes. We rejoice in the changes as we look forward to "being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another."
As wonderful as tradition can be, Paul realized that we need always to be willing to see our traditions in a new light. Even Christian theology can become a dead tradition which veils the gospel. Christians do not primarily look backwards nor do they stand still. Day be day, sunrise by sunset, our traditions, like our children and everything that lives and grows, are transfigured before our eyes. We rejoice in the changes as we look forward to "being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another."
