January 2008
Let There Be LIGHT!
There is a lot of LIGHT in January!
* ACACIA
* LOOKING AT THE TREES INSTEAD OF THE FOREST
* BROTHERLY LOVE
* LIGHT WANTED: APPLY WITHIN
THE ACACIA
Acacia is one of our most well known symbols in Freemasonry. The sprig of acacia
is used in our degree work and is touched on in our lectures, but its meanings
and interpretations far surpass that of which we detail. It has many meanings and
interpretations in the Bible and our Fraternity, but let us start by analyzing its
physical properties.
To begin, acacia is known as a plant, shrub and tree which was known to grow
around the region of Palestine. It is a very hard wood with a beautiful fine grain
and darkens when it ages. It is very dense which makes it extremely difficult for
water to penetrate. Most species are evergreen with at least six being native to the
East.
In the Bible, acacia is known as “shittim,” which is plural for “shittah”
(Hebrew). The wild acacia (genus: Mimosa; species: Nilotica) under the name of
“sunt” is representative of the Burning Bush or “seneh.” Acacia wood was considered
extremely precious, whereby “every man who had acacia (shittim) wood
brought it for the Lord’s offering.” In concert with its classical properties, acacia
or shittim had other important uses. In fact the Ark of the Covenant and the staves
which carried it were built from shittim wood and overlaid within and without
with pure gold.
Another interesting use for acacia stemmed from the Jewish Law that no burials
were permitted within the walls of the city, as it was unlawful for priests to pass
over the graves. Therefore it became necessary to place markers wherever there
was a grave to allow them to avoid passing over it. It was for this purpose acacia
was used.
The figurative nature of acacia is quite extensive and has many meanings to our
Fraternity. Mackey describes three main interpretations of acacia. The first is its
traditional meaning of immortality as its evergreen nature is intended to remind us
of the immortality of the soul. Immortality is demonstrated from its rejuvenative
characteristics and alludes to the everlasting spiritual life of the soul once freed
from the body.
The second interpretation is of innocence. This stems from the Greek language
(akakia) which signifies the plant as well as the moral qualifications of innocence
(or purity of life).
The third interpretation is of initiation. According to Mackey this is the primary
and original meaning. In all ancient initiations and religious mysteries there existed
a plant which was symbolic to each. This plant had an esoteric meaning
which was relevant to the celebration of the rites for that particular group. This is
apparent when examining the mistletoe and the Druids, the lotus to the Egyptians,
or the myrtle with the Greeks.
As we can see, acacia is much more of a symbol than we mention in our lectures.
By examining its characteristics and properties and comparing that with biblical
records we see how interesting and important acacia is to religious institutions as
well as our great Fraternity.
Bro. Jason L. Stitak, S.W.
LOOKING AT THE TREES INSTEAD OF THE FOREST
In 1786 a German poet named Christoph Martin Wieland coined a phrase in
Musarion that is often used in commentary. Wieland wrote, “They cannot see the
forest for the trees.” The saying has been used thousand of times in social criticism,
expressing the idea that men may become so involved in details (the trees)
that they do not see the larger picture (the forest). The advice is well put, but in
Freemasonry I suggest the opposite may also be good advice: Should we not look
primarily at the lodge (the tree) where it all begins and from which the “forest”
evolves?
Aparamount question being asked today, “Is Freemasonry relevant to the needs
of the younger generation of men?” The answer from those well versed in Masonic
philosophy answer with an energetic “yes.”
Many of the contemporary young and even middle-aged are products of the college
campus revolt of the 60s, observed or participated in the early drug culture,
and either protested against Vietnam or crawled through its mud. In the years that
followed they have been exposed to the most dramatic shift in social behavior in
history.
That social revolution has receded, but in its wake are many men and women
with more freedom than ever before but with lives lacking in meaning. What is
missing for many of them is a sense of real values, reflected in today’s lack of
social integrity (for references watch television news or read the front page of any
newspaper).
The answer to the question of Masonry’s relevance to the younger generation
lies in the Masonic lodge which offers its members a stabilizing influence in their
lives. By promoting charity (remember the Masonic creed of faith, hope and charity?)
the new Mason learns that it is the foremost of all social virtues and by its
practice Masons can make life better for those not so fortunate.
One of the greatest benefits the lodge offers to men of all ages is the opportunity
to make long and valued friendships. Not all Masons pursue this benefit, but
those who are active in their Masonic lodges (and in concordant and appendant
bodies) come to know what true friendship means.
We must always be aware of Masonry’s big picture: that the governing Grand
Lodge does for the individual lodges that which they cannot do for themselves
(see Masonic Learning Center, the Masonic Homes and much more).
But the most important element in the Masonic structure is the lodge. It is here
that men from all walks of life find the Freemasonry, interpreted and indoctrinated,
that will have a tremendous influence on their lives.
All this is to say that there are a myriad of ways that a Mason can explore further
interests and further light to his heart’s content, but also at times to his heart’s
distraction. Because, when you get down to it, the most important thing in
Freemasonry is the three Craft degrees and the local Craft Lodge. It is the foundation
on which the entire superstructure of Masonry is built. Without the Ancient
Craft lodges there is no Freemasonry.
This means that, like in the rest of life, we have to strike a balance. We can’t
become so involved in Masonic pursuit that we forget our local lodge and the
brethren of that lodge. We can’t become so involved in other rites and bodies that
we don’t have enough time to be active in the most important work of Masonry.
The truth is (and not every would want to hear) that if it ever becomes a choice
between the needs of the Craft of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons or some
additional rite, body, club or organization related to the Craft, then the additional
body has to take a back seat. Otherwise, we become lost in the forest of
Freemasonry and refuse to see roots which allow the tree of the Craft to live and
prosper.
As nature nurtures trees, so do Masons strengthen and support their lodges
through financial and moral support, and, most important, by their presence.
Look well to the trees of Freemasonry.
From Looking at the Tree, by Ralph Head
submitted by: Brian Donovan, J.W.
BROTHERLY LOVE
Our Most Worshipful Brother Benjamin Franklin, Past Grand Master of
Pennsylvania, was not a member of, nor did he support, any organized church. He
professed that he believed in God and further believed that the best way to
worship God was to be kind and love God’s other children. This is but one
example of Brotherly Love and is one way in which MWB Franklin chose to
practice the tenets of Masonry.
Masonry teaches that the supreme goal of life is the attainment of “Brotherly
Love,” the ability to work in harmony and peace with our Brethren. This concept
of brotherly love is one of the first lessons taught us as Entered Apprentice
Masons. Together with relief and truth it is one of the three great tenets of a
Mason’s profession. By the exercise of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the
entire human race as one family regardless of perceived social standing or
economic position. We are taught that we were created by one Almighty Parent
and that we need to aid and support one another. Through the teachings of
Masonic principles men of every nation, sect and opinion can be united and exist
with one another in true friendship.
The working tools of a Master Mason are all of the implements of Masonry, but
more especially the trowel. By use of this instrument we are taught to spread the
cement of “Brotherly Love” and Affection, which is symbolically the cement that
unites us into one sacred band of friends and brothers. How many times have we
heard those words? How many times have we really listened to them?
Brotherly Love is not found in beautiful words, it is not found in public works,
it is not ostentation, it is not done for glory, for these things can never be recorded
as the real essence of Masonry. Brotherly Love is the kind word spoken quietly, it
is the little acts of kindness when the soul yearns for aid and comfort, it is in the
little touch of love given when the heart is breaking, it is when your life touches
another life in accord. We should remember that the most enduring things in life
are not what we have, but what we give away. If Masonry teaches us anything, it
teaches that life is too short for its quarrels and its bickerings; that life is for
friendship, fellowship and Brotherly Love. Masonry is judged by the world, not by
our increase in membership or
our financial position, but
Masonry is judged by our
conduct as individual Masons
and by the contribution we
make to the life and welfare of
our community and our
concern and caring for
humanity’s needs.
Go forth into the world and
practice “Brotherly Love.” Live
your life so that it will echo and
re-echo acts of kindness and
forbearance one toward another
as brothers in love and
service and spread the cement
of “Brotherly Love” and
Affection.
James T. Schultz, LEO
LIGHT WANTED: APPLY WITHIN
Taking the time to research ideas and topics is not the path to Light, it is Light.
We all search for more knowledge in some capacity. Topics are easy to find
because our institution is filled with allegory and symbolism. We are fortunate to
have many resources at our disposal through the use of many published writings
and the knowledge of educated Brethren. It is unfortunate that many of these
resources go unused. Light isn’t easy and it is not handed out, but it is out there.
How do you find the ever elusive Light??? For starters, ask your officers and
Brethren, you will find out who is into reading, research and history. Next turn to
the books. “What books?” you ask … once again ask your officers or LEO if your
Lodge has a library, I know Barkley’s quite well. Once you have the books refer to
the first method, ask others. I find it impossible to read and not discuss it with
someone.
There are interested Brethren and finding each other should not be so hard. I
know Brethren out there who just “see” stated meetings and degree work and
that’s it. They want to learn
more about this “light,” but
we do not place emphasis on
education. Plainly put, we
need our philosophers back.
There needs to be more
research and discussion. A
good friend quoted to me, “if
not me then who, if not now
then when.” We must ask that
of ourselves. The Light is
getting dim and will only get
dimmer if we let it.
Bro. Jason L. Stitak, S.W