"Freemasonry is Dead!"

October 08, 2021 1 Comment

Absolutely not! Not because we can't draw a lodge* means the Gentle Craft is dead. Not because there has been some temporary modifications to the way we do things means our Brotherhood has died. 

Death is defined as the permanent ending of vital processes in an entity. From my point of view, the lockdown due to the pandemic afforded us more time to practice Masonry outwardly through the life that we live outside of our halls (like the way it should be).

As the boxer goes to the gym to perform an endless grind of repetitive exercises, drills and technical footwork in hopes of becoming a better fighter when he finally steps in the ring- so does the sincere Mason goes to lodge to perform an endless grind of repetitive mental, verbal and technical footwork in hopes of becoming a Better Man when he steps in the outside world.

Repetition is key—just like how this article is littered with repetitive words and thoughts. Repetition leads to a realization, realization leads to either an enhancement or, in some cases, a change of thought. Our ritual Work, although as repetitive as it can be, can be humbling and exhilarating especially when performed with such technical precision. With that, I understand and sympathize with the Brethren who truly miss the points of fellowship and the social aspects of our Craft. But not simply because a boxer cannot go to the gym to train means that he is no longer a boxer and the art of sweet science has died.

Financially, I have nothing to gain from this lockdown. And because more and more people are working from home, less and less the neckties we sell. But if there's anything good that the pandemic has given us, it afforded us more opportunities to apply our knowledge of our Working Tools outside of the lodge. It allowed us time to acquire new hobbies and hone the existing ones—and during our quiet moments, connect with what the ancient philosophers refer to as the "inward man".

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." –2 Corinthians 4:16

DISCLAIMER: This blog echoes the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Grand Lodge, Grand Jurisdiction, or any appendant organizations within Freemasonry.

*Some jurisdictions, based on the data available to them, have chosen to resume Masonic Labours and are allowing their members to form a lodge.

1 Response

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in Masonic Observations