Fwd: MasonicTravels.com Newsletter

[Paul Mundy]

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From: On The Level - Freemasonry Newsletter and Blog <Ken.D...@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Subject: MasonicTravels.com Newsletter
To: pmu...@optonline.net

MasonicTravels.com Newsletter

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PLENTY Posted: 28 Oct 2009 04:14 AM PDT In the second degree, we hear of the significance of the word 'plenty'. We symbolize it in Freemasonry by an ear of corn, or sheaf of wheat. Mackey informs us that in ancient symbolism, the goddess was depicted as a young nymph crowned with flowers and holding in her right hand the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Jupiter; and in her left a bundle of wheat sheaves. Referring to the story told in the floorwork of the passes of the Jordan, he further quotes Burder, that, in Arabian countries dialectic differences of pronunciation are much greater between regional groups than they are in other parts of the world, thus making the pronunciation of the original work a much simpler distinction than might be at first expected. Mackey further quotes other similar incidents of pronunciation as a password in history. I refer the interested student to that entry for some food for thought. My interests this evening, however, are more philosophical. Oxford defines the word 'plenty' as 'Abundance, as much as one could desire . . . ' In the second degree we are told of how the craftsmen were paid their wages and of their pleasant employment at the temple. I wish to juxtapose that image of well employed and well cared for workmen with the images in the first degree where we learn much of the Masonic art of charity. Benevolence has formed an important part of the teachings and organization of our craft and the committees of benevolence at Lodge, District and- Grand Lodge levels have an important role to play. We have all been reminded poignantly, in the first degree, of the role that this virtue is to play in our lives and in our Masonic character. Perhaps it is fitting to look at it in light of to how much 'plenty' we enjoy. A number of years ago, my neighbours helped me to erect a garden shed. We placed it carefully on a level, clean patio laid for the purpose. We congratulated ourselves on how weatherproof it was and snug, and that night I found myself reflecting gloomily that a very great portion of the world's people would thrill to have that small shed as their principal dwelling. A provocative statistic came to me a year or so ago: that the very poorest earning Canadian, he who has the very lowest annual income of welfare, is still in the top 10% of the world's wage earners. Plenty indeed! We have it! A clerical brother once told me with a spark of fervour in his eye, that I should be careful when I pray 'Thy will be done’, for I was likely praying for a much lower standard of living when the world's income was equitable distributed by the will of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe. I have no doubt that he was right. Let us not forget either, that the principal analogy of our gentle craft is that of work. Our talents are many. I look about our Lodge room and see an awesome array of abilities, skills, knowledge and influence. Do we share these? I know of a good number of Masons whose interests and involvements extend far beyond the walls of the Lodge and who contribute their talents with great vigour and energy to others in this world. There are others whose outreach is less extensive but who, through Masonic Art, extend knowledge of this philosophy to their younger brethren, influencing them to make contributions in the community and the world at large outside our portals. What should a man do with the plenty that is his? I think that our brothers know that answer. Masonic Education presented by W. Bro. Wm. M. White of Oakridge Lodge, No. 708, G.R.C. -- Free E-mail Masonic Newsletter If you enjoy our website and newsletter, then please e-mail your lodge Brethren and let them know about us too. Thank you! Check out the Masonic Store -- Thousands of items!

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PAUL R MUNDY

[Paul Mundy]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: On The Level - Freemasonry Newsletter and Blog <Ken.D...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Oct 11, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Subject: MasonicTravels.com Newsletter
To: pmu...@optonline.net

MasonicTravels.com Newsletter

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The Legacy Bequeathed by Freemasonry Posted: 11 Oct 2009 03:50 AM PDT The legacy bequeathed by Freemasonry to the world has been and will continue to be a rich one. Its survival through its long period of history is due to the ever- lasting principles which run through all its operations. Newton, in his book 'The Men's House', has a chapter on Practical Brotherhood. In it there are three headings; 1) Individual Brotherhood, 2) Organized Brotherhood, and 3) Applied Brotherhood. In the section on Organized Brotherhood there is a paragraph which states; Masonry is organized patriotism. Neither a political party nor a religious sect, it nevertheless stands for just laws and the spirit of loyalty and co-operation without which the State cannot be stable and effective. Patriotism is the translation of private faith and individual righteousness into terms of public virtue and social service. Nothing less than this is worthy of the name. The crying need of today is to extend the spirit and principles of Masonry to the whole life and transactions of Masons. The failure to do this accounts for the deficit between private morality and public morality. Freemasonry's greatest asset is in the type of member it is producing. What kind of a contribution is each one of us making of it? When a man makes his exit of life, the question is often asked, 'What has he left?' Unfortunately this often suggests property and money mentioned in his legacy, rather than the influence he has left for the enrichment of mankind by his intellectual, moral and spiritual gifts. Brethren, let us pause awhile to consider the vital question, 'When we are gone, what will be the nature of our legacy to Freemasonry and to the world?' The V.S.L. being so realistic makes this statement: 'We brought nothing into this world and we carry nothing out'. Arising from that truth, we can reasonably ask, 'What have we done in between the entry and exit?' All of us are endowed with talents - those singular gifts which one has. Each one of us is or has been making some contribution, be it insignificant or great. These impressions are of tremendous importance. They reveal our character. Creating an image is not only a challenge, but a romantic adventure that will surely supply dividends of satisfaction beyond our fondest expectations. A man doesn't 'join' Masonry. It is an act of will, a deep desire to be more than an 'ordinary' man and be willing to undergo close scrutiny of character. The act of will - his own free will - is the indication that something within has responded to a desire to become a Mason. No one asked, suggested, begged or promised some kind of inducement. Masonry doesn't compete with anything, anyone at any time. It lives. It speaks. It challenges us. A Mason is never a negative force in the community. He is a positive power. A Mason will always aspire for the highest and best in life. If he settles for anything less, he has lost the spark, the fire, the very motivation of a Master Craftsman. Fidelity Highlights summons, Lodge of Fidelity 231, G.R.C. Reprinted from 'The Tracing Board of Saskatchewan'. Editor: V.W. Bro. James A. Ham.

-- Free E-mail Masonic Newsletter If you enjoy our website and newsletter, then please e-mail your lodge Brethren and let them know about us too. Thank you! Check out the Masonic Store -- Thousands of items!

You are subscribed to email updates from On The Level - Freemasonry Newsletter and Blog To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
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PAUL R MUNDY