what makes you a mason – o brother of mine?
What Makes You a Mason – O Brother of Mine?
T
his question, addressed in a beautiful poem by Brother George H. Free, has caused me to pause, reflect, and to wonder whether we have what it takes to be a Mason.
Having been initiated, passed, raised, and presented with the symbols, lectures and charges of each Degree, we generally feel confident to say that we are now Masons. But on serious reflection it becomes clear that being charged “…to practice out of the Lodge those duties which are taught in it, and by amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution so that, when any one is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows, to whom distress may refer its suit, whose hand is guided by justice and whose heart is expanded by benevolence…” is not so easily internalized, nor does it so easily translate into action and become part of our lives. On further reflecting on the Working Tools of each of the three degrees; as well as contemplating the deeper meanings of the symbols presented to us, we begin to wonder which of them has the greatest import, and carries the greatest significance. This made me cast my mind back to the day we knocked on the door of the temple, and it was opened unto us. We entered a temple. This was a holy and sacred space, where on being brought to light, we saw that there was an altar. On it were Volumes of the Sacred Law of many faiths; which we were told are the “rule and guide” for the conduct of our lives.
The Voice of Freemasonry
22
Bilal M. Raschid Deputy Grand Chaplain
On the Holy Bible was a Square and Compasses. The relationship of the last two changed slowly, as we progressed from the first to the third Degree. On further study we learn that the relationship of the square and compasses in a Master Mason’s lodge, indicates that the spiritual element dominates over the earthly or material element. But what is the real meaning being transmitted to us? It would take several years of study, research and instruction, before its meaning would become clear, if at all. But even after a preliminary understanding of the meanings of all that has been brought to our attention, it still does not translate into full internalization, and manifestation in our daily lives. We are now most certainly among men who are tied together as a band of Brothers by the mystic tie — the five points of fellowship; and we see amongst us many who stand apart from the crowd. Yet there are those who have either not understood, or felt a need to understand, what it means to be a brother, or to truly be a Mason. Yes, they are members of a Masonic Lodge; but they have not yet become Masons, in the fullest and truest sense of that word. Many reasons can be given for this sad state of affairs; but to my mind the most important perhaps is that the true meaning of one particular symbol has not been clearly understood or strongly emphasized; and if understood, not taken to heart. This symbol is the All-Seeing Eye. The All-Seeing Eye is an important symbol of the Supreme Being, according to Mackey; and “it is borrowed from the nations of
