We've seen the Disney-esque trope: a young person feels stifled by their traditions, and for love or adventure decides to rebel against their parents and their culture. Conflict ensues, but in the end, the parents realize that their offspring were correct: their culture and their traditions prevented their happiness.

Is this what Jesus is criticizing in today's Gospel? Do traditions and rituals forbid authentic expression of faith and love? Are we just too "legalistic" as Catholics? Not so! A deep dive into the historical background of this Gospel helps us realize the entire purpose of Traditions, which are to give an identity to us so that we can more adequately keep the first things first: the love of God and neighbor.