THE CRAFT ASKS YOU TO ASK A LOT OF YOURSELF

There is a thread. It isn't obvious or timelimited. It isn't garrish nor gender specific.  It follows no formal religion but it does adhere to certain beliefs. Fragments may be all that we have to form the basis of a story about a people and a time long ago. Periodically, treasures are uncovered to our amazement and  put to quick use to serve our curiosity.  In a sense, what has not been found can be thought of as secrets. We use the most plausible explanations based on the information available to us as any given time, knowing that new discovery could change our assumptions.  Faith is constructed to be beyond scrutiny, so it pleases those who wrestle selectively with facts to claim in absolute terms, what we know is guesswork.  For the rest, holding on to the consistency of mathematics we are comfortable with two propositions; at a certain level of reasoning, fact is fluid; and fluidity is a fact.

Today, we well know as Masons, that living an ethical life is not an imposition but something to be accepted. To make great gains, it is important to ask a great deal of masons to ask a great deal of themselves. Be mindful then, of the need to be mindful and be as charitable and generous as your spirit requires.  Without that authenticity a man is faking his charity toward others. Has Masonry asked a great deal from you? Listen for it. The change so desireable, will always require effort, even the effort to accept without being constrained by expectations.  Living as a good man, is not an act. It is a state of mind, coming to terms with the idea of masonry, feeling the bond of friendship that connects- ancient practices with current thinking. You and I were there in the beginning, bringing out ideas that lead us to enlightenment without an end. Learning from mistakes was possible when men felt they were in the company of trusted brethren. Trust breeds confidence to strive.