FROM THE EAST - FEBRUARY

“What’s so great about Masonry”, a non-Masonic friend of mine asked when I told him about the meetings and committees and work involved in a blue lodge. “It is a lot of work, but it is worth it,” I told him. But what makes our Fraternity so special and wonderful?

Freemasonry challenges its members to the really important things in life: devotion to Deity, respect and care for your fellow man, and building one’s individual character. In the trials and tribulations that life inevitably brings our way, Masonry constantly reminds us of an inexhaustible strength and hope available to us from our Creator. We should trust and rely on Him first, not as a last resort. The Brethren are there to comfort and aid one another when in need. We are sworn to give assistance to each other when in destitute circumstances, real danger, or in actual distress. Our Fraternity teaches us to act honorably and respectfully in all our dealings with each other and the outside world, and to stand upright when tried and tried again.

Are Masons perfect? Of course not, but the Craft reminds us to ennoble our lives and aspire to think, speak, and act to be the best we can be. Masonry reminds us there is another life beyond this one where we will be judged and will come into our reward, if we are true and upright Masons. Our Fraternity is not a religion, but its lessons are so profound, so true, and so vitally necessary to our spiritual lives that anyone who takes them seriously cannot help but be struck by their admonishments and be constantly reminded of what we are supposed to be in this world to prepare us for the next.

So, yes, Masonry is worth every bit of work we put into it, if we take its lessons to heart. We all make mistakes, and in this rough economic time many of us are facing challenges we did not create. But the Supreme Architect of the Universe will care for us if we put our trust in Him, our Brothers are there to comfort and encourage us and help us all they can, and we remind ourselves that trials test a man’s character so that it truly shines forth. Adversity, Brothers, provides the true litmus test of who we are. Masonry guides us along the right path, and the Brethren will always, always, be there to help with a kind word, wise counsel, and the cement of brotherly love and affection.

Fraternally,

Stuart Mason
Worshipful Master