Freemasonry & Empathy Empathy is often confused with sympathy and compassion, although related, they have three distinct meanings. The feeling which arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering, and you feel motivated to relieve that suffering, is compassion, especially when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.
Here is a story which encapsulates the meaning of Masonic Relief: A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are “Brothers” The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town, “don’t worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car Sympathy is largely used to convey pity, or feel- repaired whilst you go to the appointment” ings of sorrow for someone else who is experiencing misfortune. By conveying sympathy to others, Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later lets them know of your feelings toward them. he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a These days, it is usually expressed by sending part which won’t arrive until the next morning. cards or letters. “It’s not a problem,” says the Farmer, “use my telephone and re schedule your first appointment toEmpathy on the other hand, is used to describe a morrow, stay with us tonight and we will see that wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers the car is done first thing!” The farmers’ wife pregenerally define empathy as the ability to sense pares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability fine single malt during an excellent evening, the to imagine what someone else might be thinking salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there or feeling. Empathy is the logical extension of Ma- is his car, repaired and ready to go. sonic Charity and a demonstration of “Brotherly Love” To a Freemason, it is a device, a mechanism After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks to make the world a better place for all to live in. them both for the hospitality. As he and the farmer The admonition to walk a mile in someone else's walk to his car he turns and asks “my Brother, shoes means before judging someone, you must thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help understand his experiences, challenges, thought me because I am a Mason?” “No” was the reply, “I processes, etc. The full idiom is: Before you judge helped you because I am.” a man, walk a mile in his shoes. In effect, it is a reminder to practice empathy. My thanks to Biggenden Masonic Lodge No.136 in Queensland, Australia.
Cross Keys January 2022
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