Brothers near and far
On September, 12 1962, President Kennedy gave a speech at Rice University challenging the nation to get a man to the Moon and back by the end of the decade. In that speech he said that “We choose to go to the moon” “Not because it is easy, but because it is hard.”
Freemasonry takes good men and strives to make them better and it is not easy, it is hard. Freemasonry encourages us to do the right thing, my father would say “It builds character.” We get off our duffs and attend meetings. We work at dinners to raise money for charity. We help brothers in need. We operate our lodges, dealing with finances, buildings, paperwork. We travel to meetings near and far to conduct the business of or Districts and Grand Lodge. We shovel snow in the Winter and cut grass in the summer. We serve on committees. We learn and practice ritual and floor work. We create and follow trestle-boards. We volunteer our time in our communities. We 'Meet on the level' and 'Act upon the Square. We honor our brothers, letting them know when they did a good job. We lead and we follow. We shake each others hands and call each other Brother when we meet.
Why do we do all these things and so many more? Because Freemasonry has taught us to. Practicing Freemasonry instructs us without instructing. We become better men just by taking part in its activities. Look back on your Masonic life. I'm sure you will see many ways you have been influenced by our humble Craft. Perhaps that is one of its greatest secrets. It makes good men better by showing them the Right Path, not necessarily the Easy Path.
Hope to see you soon in Lodge.