Holy Apostolic Tradition

There are those that scoff at the Catholic reverence for Holy Apostolic Tradition. Some say that unlike Holy Scripture, Tradition isn't inerrant. Some say that Tradition is like the child's game of "Telephone" where the teacher whispers in the first student's ear and each child repeats what they hear. The last child tells a much different message than the original one. That may be true in the secular world, but what they do not take into account is the power of God.

The Holy Spirit is the soul of the church. He not only has the power to author Holy Scripture, He also has the power to keep the oral teachings of the Apostles just as He has kept Scripture.

The evidence is this: that over 2000 years later, the Church is still teaching what it taught in the first centuries. Read below a portion of the "Teaching of the Twelve Apostles", an ancient church document. The teaching given here regarding the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, is the same that is given at each Mass all over the world.

It is as the prophet Malachi foretold:

"My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the LORD Almighty"

The Lord Bless you this day:

From the ancient document entitled "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles"
The Eucharist

Celebrate the Eucharist as follows: Say over the cup: “we give you thanks, Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory for ever.”
Over the broken bread say: “we give you thanks, Father, for the life and the knowledge which you have revealed to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory for ever. As this broken bread scattered on the mountains was gathered and became one, so too, may your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ for ever.”
Do not let anyone eat or drink of your eucharist except those who have been baptised in the name of the Lord. For the statement of the Lord applies here also: Do not give to dogs what is holy.
When you finish the meal, offer thanks in this manner: “We thank you, holy Father, for your name which you enshrined in our hearts. We thank you for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you revealed to us through your servant Jesus. To you be glory for ever. Almighty ruler, you created all things for the sake of your name; you gave men food and drink to enjoy so that they might give you thanks. Now you have favoured us through Jesus your servant with spiritual food and drink as well as with eternal life. Above all we thank you because you are mighty. To you be glory for ever.
“Remember, Lord, your Church and deliver her from all evil. Perfect her in your love; and, once she has been sanctified, gather her together from the four winds into the kingdom which you have prepared for her. For power and glory are yours for ever.
“May grace come and this world pass away! Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.”
On the Lord’s day, when you have been gathered together, break bread and celebrate the Eucharist. But first confess your sins so that your offering may be pure. If anyone has a quarrel with his neighbour, that person should not join you until he has been reconciled. Your sacrifice must not be defiled. In this regard, the Lord has said: In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice. I am a great king, says the Lord, and my name is great among the nations