Resurrexion

The Meaning of Masonry

I am presently reading a book titled “The Meaning of Masonry” by W.L. Wilmshurst.  In it I found a passage that I thought might be interesting to some of you given the current state of our Craft.

But ere that time comes, and that the Craft itself may the better appreciate what can be told, it is desirable, nay even necessary, that its own members should make some effort to realize the meaning of their own institution, and should display symptoms of earnest desire to treat it less as a system of archaic and perfunctory rites, and more as a vital reality capable of entering into and dominating their lives; less as a merely pleasant social order, and more as a sacred and serious method of initiation into the profoundest truths of life.  It is written that “to him that hath, shall be given, and from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath”; and it remains with the Craft itself to determine by its own action whether it shall enter into its full heritage, or whether, by failing to realize and to safeguard the value of what it possesses, by suffering its own mysteries to be vulgarized and profaned, its organization will degenerate and pass into disrepute and deserved oblivion, as has been the fate of many secret orders in the past.

My brothers, the 5th edition of this book was published in 1927 and despite its age, it’s as relevant today as it ever was.  We have all spoken many times about those among us who haven’t taken the teachings of Masonry to heart and of the importance of seeking more light and getting a true Masonic education, but, perhaps we lack perspective…

It occurred to me after reading this passage and listening to W.Bro. Brian Napier’s lecture the other night that though the craft is certainly bigger than an individual, a mother Lodge, or a Grand Lodge, yet it still relies on each and every one of us for its protection and wellbeing.  Our craft has given itself to us for safekeeping and centuries of Masonic lineage now rest in our hands.  It is an interesting microcosm in and of itself - perhaps the Grand Architect has a special fondness for irony; why else would He entrust us with so noble an institution so that we can – and do – water it down with politicking, one day classes, lowered or nonexistent standards and utterly ridiculous proficiency requirements all in the name of collecting dues?

I would posit that perhaps our Grand Architect entrusted us with such an institution simply because it provides an environment where each and every one of us could make a lasting difference. 

Or not. 

We all have a breaking point and some of us might be close or have already hit it;  despite my short time in the Craft, I have already seen a number of Brethren leave and not return.  But we need only realize that by quitting, walking away or not showing up to lodge, we will have left our Craft in the hands of those who don’t really care to know or understand it, or would rather treat it as a social club, thereby allowing it “to be vulgarized and profaned” at which point it will “degenerate and pass into disrepute and deserved oblivion”… and he that hath not, what little remains shall also be taken away. 

However, if we stick around and defend our Craft by championing its ideals and tenets, we can truly serve the greater good… and to he that hath, even more shall be given.

We are taught that the “all seeing eye, whom the sun, moon and stars obey… penetrates the inmost recesses of the human heart and will judge us according to our merits”.  It’s all a test, Brethren - the stakes are high and it sure as heck won’t be easy, but at least we’re in it together.  

And that’s an absolute honor and a privilege. 

S&F,
Scott