Jesus has been known to be a bit down on tradition:

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. (Matthew 15.1 – 6, ESV)

I couldn’t help but think that some traditions are silly and downright dangerous when I saw in the July 19, 2022, edition of the Wall Street Journal this picture of a British soldier, dressed in full uniform (wool, probably) with a large fur hat, “guarding” Buckingham Palace. Ladies and gentlemen, it was 104 degrees when that picture was made on July 18!

God bless the police officer who is giving the poor dude a drink of water, but where is common sense? When I taught at an Air Force leadership school, we canceled our outdoor activities (even though we were dressed way more suitably) when the temperature/humidity index was above a certain level.

More important than a lack of common sense, where is the compassion? Where is the kindness?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness… (Colossians 3.12, NIV)