We know from our ritual that the Lodge is a Sacred space: “We are now about to quit this sacred retreat…”
We know from the accepted definition of Freemasonry that its teachings are hidden: “Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”
From these two statements alone, we can clearly see that Freemasonry is a Sacred Mystery. That if we are to truly understand the lessons it teaches we will have to work for that understanding. We will have to study and learn.
I attended a Lodge meeting this week at which two well known explorers of the esoteric side of Freemasonry gave a brief presentation. After the meeting one of our youngest members came up to me and told me that he was pretty down on the Lodge, maybe ready to stop attending, but that this meeting inspired him. That it was the best Masonic meeting he’s attended.
The young men joining our Lodges know that Freemasonry is sacred. That it contains veiled yet universal truths. They learn these things online long before they knock on our doors. After they knock, most of them expect to find these things, at least in a small measure. If we don’t provide what they are seeking (and what we promise through our own ritual) they will not remain.
Given that, let me ask…
Does your Lodge host speakers or hold discussions about the roots and meanings of Freemasonry and its symbols?
Does your Lodge encourage its Masons to attend Masonic events where these things will be discussed and explored?
Do you seek out written works in which other Masons share their insights about our Craft?
Do you attend Masonic events focused on learning the lessons behind our allegories and symbolism?
I believe we as Mason are in a new awakening. Two generations ago the drive was to get as many men as possible to join the lodge, We now realize many Masons did not learn what masonry is. Too often I heard it is a secret and we cannot talk about it. I believe we are in an enlightening age where discounsen is a part of our learning. We now believe a small knowledgeable lodge can swell with knowledgeable membership.
I highly doubt it brother this is a nation that had to many lies told to.
Them
I believe we as Mason are in a new awakening. Two generations ago the drive was to get as many men as possible to join the lodge, We now realize many Masons did not learn what masonry is. Too often I heard it is a secret and we cannot talk about it. I believe we are in an enlightening age where discounsen is a part of our learning. We now believe a small knowledgeable lodge can swell with knowledgeable membership.