With Kate and William visiting Canada this week, there are many people across the country learning more than they ever wanted to know about royal protocol.  While the press tells us Kate and William are much more relaxed than other royals, there will be some who insist on adhering to tradition.  Tradition can be important – it connects us to our past and keeps us rooted in our community.  However, tradition can also become a huge burden.

When Jesus started teaching about God he was breaking with some of the traditions of his day by offering a new way of understanding the religious laws of his community.  Some of those laws had become so difficult to follow it was almost impossible for people to succeed.  Instead of piling on more rules to follow, Jesus highlighted the ones he thought were most important and promised rest for those who were tired of carrying the extra heavy burden imposed by religious leaders.

There are all kinds of rules that will guide us in living our lives: royal protocol, state laws, etiquette, religious tradition, and God’s grace as taught by Jesus.  Whose rules will you chose to follow?