Embodying the Gospel: Tradition and Practice in Church Life
The church is not limited solely to conveying and reading the Sacred Scripture; it replenishes it with a living embodiment in tradition and the practical actions of believers. Essentially, the Scripture itself provides the norm of faith, while tradition offers a way of life in which the Gospel is realized. In other words, tradition—coming to life in the actions of parishioners, prayer, and sacraments—is the "flesh" that complements the theoretical descriptions contained in the Scripture.
For instance, one source clearly states: "First of all, let us examine—how does the Church replenish the Scripture?By the way that practice completes the theoretical description. The flesh of Tradition replenishes the Word of the Gospel. The practice of religion is prayer. Therefore, the form of realizing Tradition is the sacraments." (source: link txt)A similar assertion is made in another text, which emphasizes that Scripture is the norm of faith, while tradition is a way of life—that is, the practical application of Revelation within the church community: "Scripture is the norm of faith; Tradition is the way of life. The flesh of Tradition replenishes the Word of the Gospel. Tradition is the practical application of Revelation. It is the revelation embodied in the community of believers, namely, in the Church." (source: link txt)Thus, church life, expressed through prayer, the celebration of sacraments, and other actions of believers, becomes both a proof and a continuation of Christ's work on earth, allowing tradition to come alive and convey the unwritten yet vitally important essence of the Gospel. This practical embodiment of the Word enables believers not only to know but also to feel the depth of God's gift, making the church a living witness to the truths of the Christian faith.