In The Mystic Heart, Wayne Teasdale clearly distinguishes between being rooted in tradition and being stuck in it. To be rooted in a strong faith tradition where inspiring values of compassion, mercy, charity and family unity are transmitted from one generation to the next is healthy and praiseworthy.

But tradition may prove to be a serious obstacle when we are stuck in it through exterior celebrations and rituals that are void of substance.

The point is to have roots that nourish, rather than a desperate clinging to traditions and rituals that choke off real spiritual vitality.

Spirituality is always about what nourishes. Tradition is useful as long as it enhances and saves the inner life; when it becomes a hindrance we need to rethink the hold our religion has on us.

Some of our island’s ‘presumed religious’ manifestations are a case in point. Quite a few parish feasts’ exterior celebrations have clearly exceeded all boundaries of modesty, serving as a hold on uneducated fanatics and pique lovers.

Common talk asserts some feasts verge on pagan worship and prove to be a distraction if not a complete divergence from an authentic journey towards spiritual maturity.

Sadly, the Church seems to have failed in restoring the validity of the parish feast.

Our parish feasts’ exterior celebrations have unfortunately become nothing more than a collage of extravagant and intentionally pompous exhibit of banners and lights, a line-up of food kiosks providing mostly unhealthy food, loud fireworks late at night and horse races in the peak of the summer heat, causing severe inconvenience to motorists when the arterial roads are shut down.

These extended and highly commercialised activities may form part of our Maltese culture but fall short in upholding and cherishing mankind’s spiritual quest.

Perhaps the Church should discern whether particular external celebrations carried out under its banner should be completely disassociated from its regime.

There is absolutely no harm in exterior secular celebrations.

But if these are associated with the Church and they prove to be void, if not contrary, to religious substance then they may only serve to be instruments to demean and devalue the evangelical truths of Christ’s gospel.

In his spiritual biography, Jack W. Hayford asserts that while heritage has its richness, it has its points in which some practices were now mere rituals and have lost vital meaning.

There is no point in casting off all Church traditions, far from it, but it is convincing that “where human traditions choke simplicity, they must be examined in the light of the Word and with much prayer”.

The Church seems to have failed in restoring the validity of the parish feast

It is to be acknowledged that it is not easy for the Church to bring about painful changes.

The most difficult task is the unlearning process for a people so deeply immersed if not infatuated by tradition, who have treasured it for years but are stuck in it.

In the own words of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech (August 19) “many Christians are obsessed with tradition and this is hindering them from discovering spiritual freedom that has the power of regenerating the Church” and “some liturgical celebrations are more akin to theatrical presentations than an experience of the sacred”.

Christ respected tradition but rejected ceremonies mankind added to the law of God making.

In Matthew 7:1-13 we find that “the clean hands and pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples and requires of them are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age”.

The relief from the frustrating task of foreseeing the feast’s external celebrations would be welcomed by most priests or kappillan, allowing more space for personal prayer, discernment and an active output of spiritual nurture to the community.

It is of concern to hear the outcry of a veteran priest, in a recent presbyterial council, claiming that “those in the Church who exalt ritual and tradition over the real meaning of religion were given the upper hand over those who upheld the spirit of Vatican Council II”.

This was supported by theologian Fr Renè Camilleri’s view that “there are some parish priests who spend thousands on the village feast but fail to budget money to improve catechism sessions for children” (August 20).

Religion and spirituality are not antagonistic to each other; rather they enrich each other if the relationship is based on openness and respect.

Religious people without authentic spiritual paths often merely go through the motions of being part of a Church, attending out of a sense of duty, tradition or social expectation.

In the words of Teasdale, “their observances are perfunctory rather than heartfelt. Their minds and hearts are not in harmony with their spiritual quest”.

gordon@atomserve.net

Gordon Vassallo is an accredited spiritual guide at the Centre of Ignatian Spirituality.