As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)
As many lodges resume their monthly schedules after the recess (not darkness) of July and August, it is worth recalling this passage.
I had the good fortune to meet with a PGM from another jurisdiction as he passed through my hometown and we had a great visit and discussion. Among other things, we talked about the importance of meeting in a lodge and how that makes us better men and strengthens our lodges. We have all heard about the importance of regular attendance, but I think that applies to more than just our meetings. It enhances our lodge membership, our support for each other, and our lives.
It benefits our lodge membership in both individual and collective fashion. Personally, I return from each meeting enriched and in an upbeat mood. My soul has been tended to through the fellowship I share with my lodge (and visiting) brethren. I know that I am part of a larger fraternity filled with like-minded men and I am able to be that better man, husband, father, and citizen that the world looks to us to be. It takes time from my family, but it also rewards that family: I am like the device that may have a low battery warning and my time working through the ritual of opening and closing, any degrees, and the sharing of bread at the festive board all rejuvenate me. I trust they have this impact on you as well.
Our support for each other comes in both the immediate and long-term plan. Walking into a building and seeing so many familiar and friendly faces reminds me that I am not alone in this world, that there exist other men who are committed to our ideals and who work at developing them no matter how often they may feel that they fall short. (The poet Robert Browning wrote, “A man’s reach must exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for?”) Being in the company of our brothers also demonstrates tangible support for each other. This support may continue through coffee groups, golf, or other interests. An unknown acquaintance may become a lifelong friend through regular meetings. Further, as our knowledge of brethren grows and conversations happen, we may find that we are able to support each other in other ways as well. Does someone need help moving? A ride somewhere? The bed of a truck to help pick up a package? A supportive ear knowing that the details will be kept in confidence? Even someone who has had a similar situation and seeking. These seemingly small acts translate into buttressing a brother to help him withstand the perils of life. The support of each other takes time to grow and regular meetings with our brethren help to develop the bonds of friendship that allow this support to occur.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” This quotation is often misattributed to Aristotle. The importance of this idea, however, is not lost on any Mason who has struggled with ritual. We have seen how brethren over the years have seemingly perfected different parts of the ritual. In our lives this same dedication can be true. By regular attendance at our lodge we reinforce the ideals which become embedded in our subconscious and then ultimately in our everyday actions.
Remember also the regular events that our lodges may hold and how they help to cement the bonds between the brethren. Do you have a fundraising event that requires many hands? A social event that welcomes our ladies / partners and is only enhanced by a strong turn-out? A banquet to celebrate the installation of officers or another special event? All of the times that we come together to meet on the level and part on the square -- whether formally in a lodge meeting of informally anywhere – serve to remind us why we are Masons and how we are different from another organization.
We are a fraternity: “1a group of people sharing a common profession or interests [and] 2 friendship and mutual support within a group.” Think of ways that you can support your lodge and the benefits that you will reap from it. When you lay out your calendar for the year, remember to include those lodges events and don’t wait for them to appear in the summonses. The riches of the fraternity come from our involvement in it.
Remember to “Find Your Centre” as you continue on your masonic journey.,
MW Bro. Patrick Davis, Grand Master, 2024-25