For those who still check here and have noticed a lack of recent content I decided a long time ago only to post when I had something to say.
As of late my masonic voice has been a bit silent. I have been questioning some internal business within my heart and have been meditating on how I feel about certain particulars which will go unnamed.
This situation has struck a particular chord within my heart and has rung ever since. I am a bit disheartened at this and have consulted privately with many brethren (both those within and without my jurisdiction) exactly what it is I should do about this. I realize it comes down to me & a matter of how I feel in my heart – and my heart is very upset. I basically have two options: stand up for what I believe is right or ignore the whole thing entirely.
The issue with this is I feel if I bring it up now I will cause harm between myself and the physical and mental Freemasonry I know and love. If I don't bring it up I won't be standing up for what I believe in. As one brother succinctly said “it is not that often that one gets to stand up for what is truly right”.
You see; what's going on is the exact opposite of what I believe we are taught as masons from the beginning. It is one of the first things we hear as far as teachings go in Freemasonry and yet I feel it is the first that has been ignored for far too long. It is quickly becoming fixed in many jurisdictions. In some it was never an issue to begin with.
I had originally thought to demit. The seriousness of this contemplation came to me after another talk with a brother who said “we can't change the system for the positive if we are not there”.
I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I can't deny this because I don't believe in it but I can't seem to pull the trigger on affirmative action, either.
I know this is incredibly vague. I'm putting how I feel out mentally. Have you ever felt the same in any way and what did you do to fix it in the most amicable way possible for all involved? For the brethren who are reading that I have talked to personally about this I want to thank you from the bottom of my masonic heart.
To leave this on a positive note we have been booming with degree work. We entered two brothers and raised two more. We are entering another in a week, hopefully passing another at the end of this month and raising another the month after that in a Past Masters Degree Night.
All is not hopeless; All is not lost.
“Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Emotion in the Buddhist tradition is that which must be released. They suggest that mans condition is one of suffering. To stand for what is right by giving up something you love will eventually cause resentment at that which is the cause. You can feel sad for people starving in the world, are you going to then make that thing most important in your life...no. However close the issue is to you defines how much it is important in your sphere of influence in this life.
I've always been a firm believer in working to change things from the inside. Sometimes I'm disappointed, but I at least have the satisfaction of knowing that I've tried.
I've served on my condo board for 15 years, mainly because the people trust me to work for the betterment of the association. Likewise, I'm working in my district for the improvement of ritual work, and some of the lodges see that and are willing to work with me.
I'd never change anything if I stopped being a part of it.
The Lodge is not much different from a typical social club save for one major aspect. The ability of the individual to see, hear and understand the underlying teachings of Freemasonry.
Not every candidate becomes a real Mason. There are some 32nd degree masons couldn't explain truly, what the teachings are even half as well as some blue lodge masons can.
Those who have the eyes to see, ears to hear and wisdom to understand shall begin the individual works of self improvement.
From here the social aspect of like minded peers should uphold its hand and reach out to the candidate.
Where there is a student... A teacher shall be provided.
This holds true until one try's to change the seemingly divine fundamental system beneath masonry. Some seek to help expedite the process of "helping" a brother.
Some have their own agendas political or otherwise.
Either case is an attempt at change.
We cannot nor should we change freemasonry in anyway.
If my insight into you issue is accurate then I understand.
We should be more critical and scrutinious about whom we select for the lodge and of what mind they carry. Perhaps we should not rush to gather new members but rather select those who will Fit the Masonic rational to start with.
This is the only path I see to get the "change" I believe you seek.
The original Idea is "Making Good men better."
Good is the original word yet here it seems so vague.
Good in my opinion with context to the statement is this.
One who is already living a Masonic "like" lifestyle without connection to the Lodge. He would be giving, compassionate, Honest and work Hard. He's the sort of character that goes the extra mile and asks for nothing but a smile and a handshake.
This is the rough cut mason. Not the man who has a political agenda and joins for sheer social networking. This kind of person normally does what he pleases regardless of its effect on the balance.
To the best of my knowledge, We aren't in the business of polishing turds. Please pardon my French.
Silence and Circumspection: look around, Survey the facts, be weary not to misrepresent yourself or the lodge. The devil is in the details my friend. The small issues of today become tomorrows landslides. Stand up for what is right. Especially within the lodge. But be sure you act righteously and true. Use the tools you have been given. If your problem is important enough, You will have the help you need.
My apologies for the deleted posts. Grammar isn't my strong point. Apparently that's also the case for my spell checker...
Post a Comment