Faith & Tradition

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.”

2 Thessalonians 2:14 · Douay-Rheims

Paul asks the Thessalonians to hold on to what he taught them in person as well as what he wrote in his letter. Catholics see in these words a biblical foundation for receiving the faith through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

“And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also.”

2 Timothy 2:2 · Douay-Rheims

Notice the generations in this verse. Timothy heard Paul preach. Now Timothy is to entrust that teaching to others who can teach it in turn. At Mass we see a concrete example. When Paul describes the Last Supper, he tells the Corinthians that he handed on what he himself had received. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.

The Church calls this living transmission of the apostles’ teaching Sacred Tradition. Scripture is the inspired word of God in writing. Together, Scripture and Tradition hand on the same Gospel. Local customs can vary from parish to parish. Sacred Tradition concerns the faith entrusted to the whole Church. Read Catechism §§80–83.