Tonight, I want to ask everyone in this room, myself included, a serious question: How are we measuring up as Masons and as members of our Lodge?
When we became Freemasons, we were encouraged to grow—not only in our personal lives but also in our Masonic lives. Many of us may not have taken the time to reflect on our journey and assess where we stand in Masonry.
Freemasonry teaches that there is a mysterious center within each of us, often referred to as “Darkness Visible.” This suggests that when we first joined, we were unaware of the full scope of the work required to become better men and Masons. There is a light or supreme power within us all, and it’s essential that we recognize and apply this internal guidance to grow and achieve our goals.
We frequently talk about the symbolism in our three degrees, but do we truly study and internalize their deeper meanings? In the First Degree, we reference the Star in the Centre, but we don’t explore what this symbol means to each of us individually. As Masons, I believe this symbol encourages us to find the light within ourselves, revealing just how much more we can achieve in and out of Masonry.
Each Brother must, through study and introspection, derive the meaning of Masonic symbols for himself.
An American Mason, Wor. Bro. Andrew Hammer, addressed our Grand Lodge’s annual communication in July 2013. In his publication “Observing the Craft,” he stated: A lodge without Masonic education cannot be an “Observant Lodge,” and is arguably not any kind of lodge at all. He emphasized that the search for light and knowledge is what Freemasonry is truly about.
Bro. Albert Pike, who joined Masonry in 1850, authored Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He argued that a Mason must not merely observe the lectures presented in our Rituals; they must actively engage with and reflect upon them. This was true in Pike’s day and is even more relevant now.
Brethren, perhaps it’s time to look inside ourselves and evaluate where we are on our Masonic journey.
Years ago, I came across a poem titled The Man in the Glass, which I first read in Lodge in 2014. Its message is timeless and applies to all of us, especially as we consider our current standing as Masons.
The Man in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggles for life,
and the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your mother, father, or wife,
whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people may think you’re a straight-shooting chum,
and call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum,
if you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
for he’s with you clear up to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life,
and get pats on your back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,
if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
How Does This Poem Relate to Us as Masons?
We might ask ourselves a couple of important questions:
- Are we doing enough for our Lodge and each other as Brother Masons?
- Are we living up to our obligations as members, or are we letting a few do all the work to keep the Lodge alive?
Brethren, take a moment to reflect on your involvement in the Lodge—or the lack thereof. Our Lodge needs everyone to be involved in some way if it is to survive and prosper. Remember: many hands make light work.
Are we doing enough to be proud of the man in the glass as ordinary men in our everyday lives?
Are we doing enough to be proud of the Mason in the glass if we call ourselves Freemasons?
How will you answer these questions?
Presented by: Bro. W. Levere, MM, WMW, FCF
September 5, 2024
