Childlike Wonder

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Randy Sanders

Occasionally I find myself occasionally jaded or even burned out by disappointment.  This might be disappointment in others’ actions or maybe lack of actions I expected.  Sometimes I just get overextended and have to refocus on why I decided that sleep and health were more important than getting that last email or spreadsheet completed before bedtime.  This leads me to a sometimes rather negative perspective of questioning myself as to why the responsibility lies with me?  Why can’t others just simply do what’s expected of them?

Disappointment can be a downward spiral, and I am blessed to have had good role models and mentors that took time to demonstrate both responsibility and how to adjust our outlook when negative events occur.  I like to think of it as childlike wonder mixed with gratitude.  The childlike wonder comes and goes, and gratitude simply takes practice to change into habit.  Doing things for others simply because you see the need, being the responsible adult without asking for recognition, that is the lesson of building internal character. 

The wonder of the world through the new eyes of a child never ceases to be amazed.  Discovery of new things, learning something fun and making a game of it, finding ways to play, to create, to become whimsical may seem far away or not.  I remember my childhood playtime and reading time, not so much the individual events but more the general feelings of happiness and contentedness, simply escaping in my own mind with fantasies of driving fast with model cars or reading books until my eyes were filled with sleep.  I remember the feeling of internal happiness and pride I felt when I was recognized by my parents or friends as being helpful and appreciated.

We learn gratitude in many different ways.  We often learn of it in church reciting or listening to prayers of gratitude to Deity.  We learn to say please and thank you with intent and meaning, not just for polite society.  Gratitude extends inwardly with lessons of turning pride into gratitude as can be examined through the Masonic lessons of Charity/Love.  That in itself could be a paper or even a book topic for those studying psychology.  I learned the lesson of gratitude from a dear friend and mentor through of all things, just a simple passing comment.  He simply said, paraphrased, we need to remain grateful for all things, and that gratitude leads to love and wisdom.  

Wow!  That struck me like a lightning bolt.  Gratitude leads to love and wisdom.  The simplest of phrases, yet the impact was felt at my core as I realized the connection between my own humility, gratitude, and the paths that open with remaining humble.  I reflected in childlike wonder at that powerful message, and I still use gratitude and humility as a base for my meditations.  Am I worthy to even be writing this to you?  No, but maybe not for any expected reasons.  I can only open the veil into my own life or experiences and humbly offer my thoughts and expressions.  I can only do so with the hope, the childlike wonder, the gratitude felt, while connecting and maybe helping others on different places we share as we climb the mountain together.  My own honest reflection into my experience connects with some, connects with different people differently, and so will your own experiences connect with others.  I learn far more from reaction and interaction after I write these than what went into the writing.

Freemasonry teaches the lessons of humility, gratitude, love, and wisdom.  These lessons repeat in the degrees, lectures, and charges.  The opening and closing of the lodge reminds us of gratitude and focus on internal reflection, and we are repeatedly reminded that we are all on the way toward perfecting our ashlar, not that we have perfected it.  

We as Freemasons use the symbols and working tools for a mental focus toward perfection, and we must be vigilant that we don’t hold ourselves on any pedestal for others to emulate; we must keep our egos in check.  We must not fall into the trap of grandstanding our views to others while we still have much work to do internally.  That trap starts with: “Why am I having to do this?”

Take a moment to stop, look someone in the eye, and say please or thank you, or you’re welcome, with focus and intent.  Let’s break that down into actionable pieces.  Maybe we go through a door at a local business, and we hold the door open for the next person behind us.  Maybe we catch the door that was held by the person ahead.  Expressing gratitude takes no real effort, but maybe it changes someone’s day.  Maybe that person ahead of you or behind you is having a rough time, and simply taking a second to look them in the eye and thank them lifts their spirits.  Maybe you’re opening the car door for your wife.  It doesn’t matter if the other person even acknowledges your action because you don’t do it for their reaction.  Do it.  Say it.  Mean it.  Put focus behind it.  Walk the walk of gratitude, humility, and find ways to help others even through simple intent of please, thank you, and you are welcome.  Reflect upon your actions while never losing that childlike wonder of discovery.

~RS

Randy and his wife Elyana live near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Randy earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in Telecom IT management. He volunteers as a professional and personal mentor, NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer and enjoys competitive tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He has 30 plus years teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy served as a Logistics Section Chief on two different United States federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams over a 12 year span. Randy is a 32nd degree KCCH and Knight Templar. His Masonic bio includes past Lodge Education Officer for two symbolic lodges, Founder of the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Education Committee, Sovereign Master of the E. F. Coonrod AMD Council No. 493, Co-Librarian of the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Clerk for the Academy of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, and a Facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society. Randy is a founding administrator for Refracted Light, full contributor to Midnight Freemasons, and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy hosts an open ongoing weekly Masonic virtual Happy Hour on Friday evenings. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy.

It's a small world

by Senior Midnight Freemason Contributor
Gregory J. Knott 33° 

This summer, I was visiting a local cemetery, when I came upon a tombstone that had some great advice on the backside. I wrote about this advice in an earlier article here on the Midnight Freemasons. I’ve thought about that advice from time to time, especially in the trying times that have defined the last couple of years for all of us.

The advice was crisp, clear, and simple, yet provocative in reaching into your soul.

I was talking with my wife Brooke about a phone call she took at work and the assistance she was providing to the caller. For whatever reason, it began clicking that I was familiar with the last name of the person she had been speaking with. I reviewed some of my notes and realized this family name was the same one that I found with the advice written on the tombstone. Brooke had been talking with the spouse. What a small world.

Let me again share the advice that was given:

Work - like you don’t need the money

Love - like you’ve never been hurt

Dance - like nobody’s watching

Sing - like nobody's listening

Live - like it’s heaven on earth

As we close out 2021, take the advice above to heart as you get ready to turn the calendar to 2022. I was reminded, the world is small, and you never know who your paths will cross with. Don’t get so caught up in day-to-day things that you truly forget about HOW to live.

~GJK

Gregory J. Knott, 33° is a founding member and Senior Contributor of the Midnight Freemasons blog. He is a Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 in St. Joseph (IL) and a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL) and Naval Lodge No. 4 in Washington, DC. He’s a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, Eastern Star and is the Charter Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign-Urbana. He is also a member of ANSAR Shrine (IL) and the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees. Greg serves on the Board of Directors of The Masonic Society and is a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and The Philathes Society. He is a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D., and serves as its Secretary. Greg is very involved in Boy Scouts—an Eagle Scout himself, he is a member of the National Association of Masonic Scouters.

The Greatest Masonic Testimonial I Ever Heard

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Ken JP Stuczynski 

I decided I must go, right then and there. I put aside the concerns of my usual vocation, after asking myself, "What am I waiting for? There's only a three-hour drive between me and a dying Brother."

Earlier that afternoon, the Worshipful Master had gotten the call. The daughter of an infirmed member wanted him to be among Lodge Brothers in his final hours. The staff of the Masonic Care Community in Utica, New York, said he may not last the night. She lived on the other side of the country and had just gotten the news, unable to make immediate arrangements to travel.

I was hesitant as Senior Warden to take it upon myself, wondering if a closer Brother who actually knew him personally should go. He had not been to Lodge since before I was a Mason and so I know I had never met him. Speaking with both daughter and Master, there didn't seem to be anyone who could go and at some point, I just snapped. The clock was ticking. What was I waiting for?

Two hours on the Thruway, one to go, and I got the call. He had passed. When I got there, the staff respectfully had put his Masonic cap on his head, a Past Master's Apron gently placed across his waist. There is no telling if his presence was still there; I gripped his hand in a way only a Mason could know anyway. It was strange spending a few moments with a Brother I had never met, and would still not meet until my own attendance of the Celestial Lodge. But he was my Brother nonetheless.

I talked with his daughter over the car's phone speaker on the way home. Even a lone Brother making the trip, and being too late, was deeply meaningful to her. And then she repaid me by giving me the greatest testimony about Freemasonry I ever heard.

It wasn't that my Brother didn't have other family that might have made the trip, but that early in life he had alienated his family and friends. Plainly, she explained he was a horrible husband and father. His family distanced themselves from him.

And then he became a Mason. Over a few short years, she realized he was a changed man — a better man. She was the only one in her family willing to see a difference. And that difference was profound. He did not die without family that loved him, after all. And he had been assured a Brother was on their way, perhaps the last words he had heard.

I have seen a number of Brothers grow, in things like confidence, gentility, and general amicability. Looking back, have other Brothers seen such changes in me? Am I a better husband, father, friend? I realized that day the best testimony of one's value from Freemasonry may not be their own, but from those they Love.

~JP

Bro. Ken JP Stuczynski is a member of West Seneca Lodge No.1111 and recently served as Master of Ken-Ton Lodge No.1186. As webmaster for NYMasons.Org, he is on the Communications and Technology Committees for the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. He is also a Royal Arch Mason and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, serving his second term as Sovereign Prince of Palmoni Council in the Valley of Buffalo, NMJ. He also coordinates a Downtown Square Club monthly lunch in Buffalo, NY. He and his wife served as Patron and Matron of Pond Chapter No.853 Order of the Eastern Star and considered himself a “Masonic Feminist”.

As a masonic speaker throughout New York State, he has also given presentations at town hall meetings regarding the use of technology in the Craft. His numerous Empire State Mason articles have been republished in Arizona and New Jersey. To aid in his outreach on these topics, he authored “Webmastering the Craft: Fraternity in a Digital World”, available worldwide in softcover and eBook.

Having lifelong interests far and wide across philosophy, world religions, and all the natural sciences, his degree is in Philosophy with a concentration in Ethics and a minor In Psychology. He has written articles and essays on the topics of science and religion, culture and politics, business and economics, technology and futurism, as well as various aspects of social psychology. Usually, with interdisciplinary contexts, many of these focus on the ideals of intellectual honesty and tolerance in all forms. Having edited and contributed to Books of Transactions by the Western New York Lodge of Research of which he is a member, he plans to formally publish some of his larger works, starting with the upcoming book, “Contemplations on Astronomy”, and a special Masonic edition will contain his “Astronomical Tour of the Lodge”.

He runs his primary business, Kentropolis Internet, from home where he lives with his wife and plenty of pets. In addition to various community service projects, he teaches Tai Chi to veterans at the VA Recovery Center. He is also an independent interfaith minister with hospital chaplain credentials who does weddings, funerals, memorials, and other services. His personal project is the “Earth 2 Mouth” program which connects farms, volunteers, and soup kitchens. He also enjoys carpentry and keeps bees with his daughter at an organic farm in East Otto, NY."

Our Better Halves

by Midnight Freemasons Contributor

WB Darin A. Lahners 

I recently on an episode of the Meet, Act, and Part podcast, which I host along with fellow Midnight Freemasons, Greg Knott, Bill Hosler, and Todd E. Creason, gave a shout out to a woman that I had gone on one date with. I told her about the podcast and she dared me to mention her name. I did so, thinking little of it, other than maybe it would stroke her ego a bit. Recently, I started a relationship with a woman who is not only smart, beautiful, charming, amazing, patient, kind, and every other adjective that I could use to describe someone who is completely and utterly awesome. This wonderfully awesome woman, who will remain nameless until the end of the article, also has a wicked sense of humor. In an attempt to understand Freemasonry better, she decided to give the Meet, Act, and Part podcast a listen. As luck would have it, she chose to listen to the episode where I gave this other woman a shout out. Needless to say, she has been giving me the business about this for a few days now. This is because she also has a wicked sense of humor, and can give me the business as well as she takes my endless taunts. 

However, this got me thinking about the countless women (and men) who are often Freemasonic "Widows" without their significant others being dead. They essentially do not see their significant others many evenings because of Stated Meetings, Degrees, and other events of the various Masonic events that their men participate in. Many of them prepare their clothes for them, ironing their shirts and slacks and do everything in their power to keep their Freemasons looking good, as well as supporting them in their participation of Masonic events, even if it means that they do not get to see them many nights. Women like Tammi Harmoning, who drives Bill Hosler to his various Masonic events, because Bill who can no longer drive loves Freemasonry, and Tammi loves Bill.

One of my more controversial articles for the blog was regarding allowing women into the Fraternity, and as you might imagine, there were a fair number of Freemasons that accused me of heresy for daring to write about such a thing. Yet, I know many Freemasonic Widows that are better versed at ritual than I am, because they are often feeding their significant others lines so that they can memorize it. Apparently, it's okay for our significant others to know the ritual, but we can't let them practice it because of a "landmark" made 300 plus years ago. But I digress. My point is, that these women tirelessly support their significant others and indulge them in their Freemasonic activities. Women like Cori Johnson, who supports Robert Johnson's travels across the country, as he visits various lodges to give presentations, explore Skinwalker Ranch, and run Chicago Masonic-con.  Or Brooke Knott, who allows Greg to hang around with the likes of me.

What I fear is that we don't acknowledge the sacrifices that our better halves make in order for us to be active Freemasons. Women like Val Creason and Janet Pettice, who stand behind Todd Creason and Brian Pettice respectively, when they are at Scottish Rite Reunions, Stated meetings, and Degrees. I thank the many wives of the Valley of Danville members that work in the kitchen every reunion, to make sure that we are fed well. I know in my St. Joseph lodge, we have a "Stand by Your Mason" award that is given out to a significant other of a lodge member yearly that supports her Mason, but I don't think that's enough. I hope that each individual mason is already thanking their significant other daily for all of the things they do for them. However, I think that if you're not having a ladies' night where you're making the women behind the men of your lodge the center of attention, that you need to start doing this at least once or twice a year.

Without the love and support of your better halves, are you able to be good men and masons? Would you be able to know your ritual as well? Would you be able to look as sharp as you do at degrees? So as I enter a new relationship with someone that I think will be this support to me, I want to sincerely thank all of the women (and men) out there that are standing behind their mason. I also encourage every Freemason to do the same thing. Thank the women (and men) who stand behind the men of your lodge and make them the center of attention from time to time. It's the least we can do. Always remember, behind almost every Freemason, is someone who is loving and supporting them.

To Lisa, I say this: Thank you for your understanding of what Freemasonry means to me, and for your support of my involvement in it. I hope that I can read this article to you from time to time to thank you for what I foresee will be your continued support of my involvement in the Craft. 

~DAL

WB Darin A. Lahners is a Past Master of and Worshipful Master of St. Joseph Lodge No.970 in St. Joseph. He is also a plural member of Ogden Lodge No. 754 (IL), and of Homer Lodge No. 199 (IL), where he is also a Past Master. He’s a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, a charter member of Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter No. 282 and is the current Secretary of the Illini High Twelve Club No. 768 in Champaign – Urbana (IL). You can reach him by email at darin.lahners@gmail.com

      

Where are you going to dwell?

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Brian L. Pettice, 33˚

As we return to lodge in the coming days, hopefully we can also return to thinking of and treating our brethren and our fellow human beings better than our social media posts and the news suggests that we have during these past few months.

In the Grand Lodge of Illinois the second degree scripture reading is from 1 Corinthians 13 verses 1-7 and 13. Let us consider these verses and how we might reflect on and apply them to return to or strengthen that Brotherly Love that we Masons profess to believe. I think if we insert ourselves into these verses and make them about each of us, it can serve as a look in the mirror that spurs a call to action.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The first thing that comes to my mind in reading this is the use of the word charity. In other translations the word love is used. In any case, the many scholars believe that the word takes the meaning of the Greek agape or that love which is unchanging and unconditional—that love which selflessly puts the needs of others ahead of self without expectation of reward. In order to understand this better, let’s look at the English standard Version of the same verses.

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The first three verses tell us that whatever spiritual gifts we may come to possess or sacrifices we may make, are useless without love. Verses four through seven tell us how love should be. The final verse charges us to remain or dwell in Faith, Hope, and Love—but the greatest is Love.

Few places in the Masonic ritual is there a better description of how we should see and treat and love each other. But do we?

Here is the exercise that I think will provide that look in the mirror—that deep reflection we take of ourselves, our motives, and our actions—that hopefully drives us to action. In verses four through seven, turn each statement describing Love and make it a question about yourself.

Am I patient and kind?

Do I envy or boast?

Am I arrogant or rude?

Do I insist on my own way?

Am I irritable or resentful?

Do I rejoice at wrong doing or at the truth?

Do I bear all things, do I believe all things, do I hope all things, do I endure all things?

Do I remain or dwell in Faith, Hope, and especially Love?

What are your answers to these questions? Are you happy with those answers? What action are you going to take?

Where are you going to dwell?

~BLP

Brian L. Pettice, 33° is a Past Master of Anchor Lodge No. 980 and plural member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 38 in Danville, IL and an Honorary Member of a couple of others. He is also an active member of both the York and Scottish Rites. He cherishes the Brothers that have become Friends over the years and is thankful for the opportunities Freemasonry gives and has given him to examine and improve himself, to meet people he might not otherwise have had chance to meet, and to do things he might not otherwise have had a chance to do. He is employed as an electrician at the University of Illinois and lives near Alvin, IL with his wife Janet and their son Aidan. He looks forward to sharing the joy the fraternity brings him with others. His email address is aasrmason@gmail.com.

Contemplative Cornerstones: Brotherly Love

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Brother Erik Marks

There is always someone who gets your goat.  Not that goat.  The symbolic one.  You know, mildly to moderately pisses you off.  Ok, so maybe a lot.  Ever feel conflicted about him coming to lodge?  Wish he wouldn't?  Feel relieved when he's away?  Not uncommon despite our work to be and feel harmonious.  This feeling is part of freemasonry since it is part of what we have the good fortune of experiencing in a lodge.    Like the rest of life, the work gives us lots of opportunities to practice being loving. Even if we say nothing out loud to our annoying brother about how his behavior, our inner harmony, is disrupted by the thought of this guy.

So, the question arises: for whom is the idea of brotherly love and affection placed as the cornerstone of the 3rd degree?  Is looking like we are harmonious for everyone else's observation?  Just pretend everything is harmonious, and no one will notice what is really going on?  A grand performance to look good, nice.  Maybe, but it is not real.  If it's not in my heart, it is just for show, and I'll know it all through the ritual.  It will distract me; it will distract you.

Perhaps working towards harmony is for me, not you, not for the performance of looking harmonious.  Maybe it is a wholly selfish act.  If I can grow to love someone even if I dislike him, I can remain harmonious, at least internally.  Maybe that's as far as it goes, or needs to for all intents and purposes. But perhaps there is more to find.  The selfishness premise is too shallow to be a masonic idea. Brotherly love is to help you keep yourself emotionally regulated for your and everyone's benefit.  It's for multiple reasons, often in sequence.  First for me (you), then for him, then for them, brethren and beyond.  And that is part of the work through all three degrees:  growing in brotherly love and affection.

 This installment is about the elaboration of a masonic ideal through the application of an eastern esoteric exercise of cultivating the capacity to be and feel loving towards others.  The exercise is simultaneously, and secretly for some, a way to cultivate brotherly love for self and others.  As ancient wisdom dictates, we begin our work with one who easily brings to mind and heart the foundational feeling we want.  We start with a person toward whom feeling loving is easy and (mostly) uncomplicated.

First, take a few minutes to ground and center yourself.  Use your favorite mindfulness exercise or refer back to a past contemplative cornerstone here.  If you haven't done any kind of meditation practice in the past, I would hold off on this practice until having taken at least a month to get familiar with basic mindfulness meditation, Shamatha, Vipassana, Shunyata, or other concentration meditation practice.  Read Chuck Dunning's Contemplative Freemasonry.

There is no problem trying what is presented here without having an ongoing or previous practice. Trying this out won't hurt you or anyone else; otherwise, I wouldn't have posted it publicly.  There is just a better chance you'll have good results if you have a way of keeping good old monkey (or goat) mind subdued. In other words, staying focused on this practice will be easier if you already train your mind with a concentration practice.  The psyche has lots of self-protective functions to help keep you from getting in trouble…including feeling intense anxiety if this isn't the right practice for you; or giving you strong anxiety to tell you this is the right practice for you (please write me if you have questions about this statement).

Next, think of your favorite brother, teacher, mentor, or non-Masonic person who embodies loving-kindness or causes you to feel loving, kind, generous feelings.  Ideally, it would be a person with whom you have mostly good memories, good feelings, or a very long history and have worked through problems to a resolution so that you can feel continuously good feelings about them: just feel love for them.  If no such living or passed human exists, some people focus on an idealized being or deity.  Hold the feeling, image, idea, the concept of that person for a while.  Next, feel the sense of love towards that person.  Hold and sustain those loving feelings towards the person or deity as long as you can.  Then stop the practice for today. The next day, repeat.  Stay at this phase for at least a week.

Starting the next week, begin the practice as before.  This week, instead of holding the loving feelings for the idealized favored person the whole time, start with them and sustain the feelings for a few minutes.  Then, direct those feelings towards someone who, to you, is just slightly more challenging to feel those loving feelings towards the same level of intensity and caring.  Move back and forth between the two: when you feel it difficult to sustain the feelings for the second, move back to the first and recharge. Repeat.  Repeat days practicing with the second person until it is as easy to sustain loving feelings for the second as it was for the first.

Next!  A person who is slightly more challenging.  You're catching on.  Yes.  By succession, you are moving closer and closer to people who are very difficult to do this practice with and about.

Annoyed?  You have questions…  I'll start with what, for me, is the obvious worry here.  Does this mean that the goal is to feel loving towards that guy who you think is really problematic?  The one we called to mind at the start of this post?  Yup.  "Why Erik Why?" you ask?  This practice is not actually about or for him (at first).  Masonry and this practice are about and for you and what your mind does with ideas about others.  Michael Poll had an excellent podcast sometime in 2019, addressing the question, "Should freemasons be kind?"  The answer is, of course: Yes. But not without thought.  Being loving and kind doesn't mean we stop thinking.

We don't stop being discerning and making good choices.  The argument for why every mason should practice this kind of Brotherly Love Cultivation is that when we can remain loving, we stop being reactionary. We can THINK clearly and use our tools in a conscious direction.

With ongoing practice, the next time you feel a strong reaction brewing for that challenging brother, pause. Recall the emotions generated in this practice.  Feel loving toward him (you don't have to like him one bit, just love him).  Then think about the consequences of acting out, if that helps. Ultimately, like all of masonry, the practice is about the rest of life and not about freemasonry.
[Secrets: with regular, diligent practice, you will find the person who was once your inner psychic nemesis, becomes one of your most valued guides to a better you.

[To go deeper: if you find the idea of this practice annoying, anxiety-provoking, frustrating, start with mindfulness meditation and then spend five to ten minutes merely wondering why this practice is so aversive.  [Deeper still: if you find yourself willfully resisting this practice and can't seem to shift, sit still with that question and remain open to the answer from your inner officers (Read MacNulty)].

~EM

Brother Erik Marks is a clinical social worker whose usual vocation has been in the field of human services in a wide range of settings since 1990. He was raised in 2017 by his biologically younger Brother and then Worshipful Master in Alpha Lodge in Framingham, MA. You may contact brother Marks by email: erik@StrongGrip.org

The International Language

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Robert E. Jackson, PM

As Masons, we strive to improve upon the three moral virtues, Faith in a higher power, Hope in immortality, and Charity with all mankind. We reference the phrase from the book of first Corinthians, 13:13, which states "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." The King James version of the Bible uses the term "Charity," however, many other versions use the term "Love." Now think of that first line again…Love with all mankind. As men, for years it seems we have been taught to suppress our expression of Love. We need to be strong, brave, and courageous. Men don't cry, or talk about their feelings. Although I agree that there are times we do need to step up our strength and bravery, there are many more times when we need to honestly Love and care for one another. The way in which that Love is expressed, however, varies greatly across humanity.

I've recently learned of the five categories in which love can be given, or received. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, Dr. Gary Chapman documented "The 5 Love Languages" to help people understand their own, for lack of a better term, currency. The currency stipulates what you can offer another in the form of Love, but also what you appreciate most. According to Dr. Chapman, the five core languages of Love are (in no particular order):

· Physical Touch

· Receiving Gifts

· Words of Affirmation

· Quality Time

· Acts of Service

In other words, some humans appreciate simply hearing 'I Love You,' or another complement to audibly receive Love and gratification. For others, the words have little meaning next to a hug, or simply spending time together. The way that you express and show your Love for your spouse, family member, or Brother, may not be what they need in order to feel Loved. This isn't an unsurmountable challenge, however, and can be easily resolved through communication and understanding.

For starters, it's helpful to understand how you prefer to receive Love. Take some time to internalize and meditate on the actions of others that have truly made you happy. Not a simple laugh, but an action that can lasts for days. Many months ago, I received a hand written letter from a dear Brother. Something so simple, but that Act of Service, still means so much to me. I still have that letter on my desk, and when I become frustrated, that letter helps restore my faith in goodness and Brotherly Love. You may be surprised how easy it is to realize what your Love Language is.

Finding the Language of your partner, friend, Brother, or family member may be more challenging. Try discussing your Love Language with the other person (and no I'm not talking about Ricky and Mrs. Smith's International language from Better Off Dead). Share what you have learned, and start that conversation about what makes them happy, what gestures or events in their lives really made them feel loved. Once they start talking, let it be about them…you're there to listen and learn. Once you can understand how they feel loved, your relationship can only grow stronger with compassion and understanding.

If you have any interest in improving your relationships with either your spouse or friends and family, I would strongly encourage you to do some reflection and discover more about how you Love! More information about "The 5 Love Languages" can be found on Dr. Chapman's website, https://www.5lovelanguages.com, including quizzes that can help you, or your partner, identify your Love Language. "The greatest of these, is LOVE!"

~REJ

Robert Edward Jackson is a Past Master and Secretary of Montgomery Lodge located in Milford, MA. His Masonic lineage includes his Father (Robert Maitland), Grandfather (Maitland Garrecht), and Great Grandfather (Edward Henry Jackson), a founding member of Scarsdale Lodge #1094 in Scarsdale, NY. When not studying ritual, he's busy being a father to his three kids, a husband, Boy Scout Leader, and a network engineer to pay for it all. He can be reached at info@montgomerylodge.org

September 11th - Revisit

*Editors Note* A day after, keeping with our typical schedule of release days, I chose to run RWB Michael H. Shirley's piece which he wrote for us originally back on September 11th of 2015. I think it's a beautiful piece and I hope you enjoy reading it. ~R.H. Johnson

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

RWB Michael H. Shirley

“[T]o love is better than to hate, and Forgiveness is wiser than Revenge or Punishment.” –Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 859.

Like everyone else I know, I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the World Trade Center attack. I was teaching an early class that morning, and was in mid lecture when the planes hit. When class ended, I started to walk down the hall and was waylaid by students who wanted to know if I’d heard. In bits and pieces, we found out that it was a deliberate act, then that one tower had fallen, and then another. Then came the news that the Pentagon had been hit. I was standing there, trying to comprehend it all, when one of my students said, “Dr. Shirley, what does it mean?” “It means we’re at war,” I said, with no real thought beyond that simple statement. As more information came out over the next several days, it became clear that things had changed beyond recovery. I did what so many others did: stayed glued to the television, tried to buy an American flag from stores that couldn’t keep them in stock, thought about what I could do to serve my country. But I kept coming back to the realization that these terrorists had killed innocents, including children, because they believed their cause was more important than people made in the image of God. And I had a choice: to hate them or not. 

I wasn’t a Mason then; I didn’t petition my Lodge until 2006. But my time in Masonry has taught me that hate is never the answer to any question worth asking. If I am committed to Masonry, love has to be my only response to everything, both large and small, because if I hate, I become what I hate. I have to see the fundamental humanity, the image of God, in everyone I encounter. Otherwise, I’m not practicing Masonry to the best of my ability.

My sister, an Episcopal priest and Air Force Chaplain, has said that she has to recognize that everyone is equally deserving of God’s love, which is to say, not at all, so acting high and mighty has no place in the world. My mother says regularly that the hardest word to accept in the Lord’s Prayer is “Our.” We all want to be special, but we can only do that if we reject what makes us human. We all need to meet on the level and acknowledge one another as fully human, undeserving of the gifts we’ve received, and just love one another.

So now I pray that I will be enabled to act as if all people are my Brothers and Sisters. For the simple truth is, they are. I don’t have to like them, and if they mean harm to others, I certainly have to stop them, but I can’t hate them without losing the best part of myself. Love, I would argue, is the answer to every question, both in Masonry and in the profane world. Every day, I am presented with the choice of whether to act with love or not. Every day, I can choose to hate, to be indifferent, or to love. I don’t always choose well, but I find that if I pay attention to Masonry’s teachings, I make the right choice more often than not. 

Fourteen years ago I chose, briefly, to hate. It was nearly impossible not to do so. But hate kills the hater, and I could not continue. Since 2006 I have cast my lot with Freemasonry, and have been grateful for its work in my life every day since. Lord knows, I don’t always choose well, but I’ve found that if I remember that Love drives away darkness, I don’t make that darkness my home. I’ve found that I prefer a well-lit room. And so I pray for light for everyone, especially for those who have shut it out of their lives and have chosen to live in darkness. I pray—today of all days—to let the Light of Love illumine our world.

~MHS

Picking Up Where School Had Failed

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Wayne D.J. Greeley

Myself surrounded by some of the most awesome blokes I’ve ever met at my third degree

My personal life goal is the motto of the New Zealand poet Katherine Mansfield, ‘I want to be all I am capable of being’. I’m going to tell you how Freemasonry is helping me become the man that I am capable of being. This one might seem weird, but I have my reasons for writing this article.

Please note that I’m not writing this for sympathy points

From the age of four to seventeen I attended 1 primary school and 4 different secondary/high schools, not because of juvenile delinquency but because my family emigrated … twice. When I started primary school I was very shy, polite and friendly. Qualities which were in that’s school year were considered to be unusual. Even more unusual for them when I joined the choir and began playing the violin. Basically I didn’t have any friends (don’t worry this story has a happy ending) so I couldn’t develop the social skills a young child should do.

At my first high school, all those previous qualities I had meant only one thing to the bullies … GAY. Turns out they were right, but at the age of 12 I didn’t even know what that was. From then on I was defined by my sexuality, “You are gay therefore you are this or that, you can’t hang out with us”. I had to change schools because the physical bullying became too much, though sending me to a private school really didn’t help. At this school, I did start making friends. A group of five girls to be exact. It was logical, they weren’t mean, we had a lot it common and they were always polite. This type of friendship making continued on when I moved to high schools in New Zealand and in Australia. My experience at school made me develop a type of intimidation towards heterosexual men, most I’d met were homophobic and weren’t averse to showing it verbally or physically.

• In 2015, I joined a fraternity that changed my life and continues to do so. 
• Qualities such as politeness and musical skills aren’t disregarded but embraced. 
• I’m not defined by my sexuality 
• If I was attacked in a homophobic manner, the men around me wouldn’t join in, they’d defend me. 

If I’d told myself this 10 years ago I wouldn’t have believed it.

It took time after I first joined, but I started visiting lodges and interacted with good men. I feel as though my social skills are developing more and more. I’m not afraid, I don’t feel anxiety talking to men anymore, I feel like I can be one of the lads and have a good laugh during the festive board. This is also affecting my life outside the lodge with my work and studies.

I know for other gay masons, their stories aren’t as positive as mine and their stories should be told as well. I’ve written this article to show how freemasonry has helped myself as a gay man and to give an example of how Freemasonry can affect a man in ways people might not have thought of.

For me however, Freemasonry has accepted me for the man I am and is helping me to become the better man that I am capable of being.

To the brothers pictured up above, my mother lodge, my affiliate lodge, Queensland Freemasonry and international brethren I have just one thing to say …. Thank you.

~WG

Bro. Wayne Greenley is member of Mount Pleasant Lodge No. 361 and research lodge Barron Barnett Lodge No 146 both holding under the United Grand Lodge of Queensland. Currently he is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business at QUT. In his spare time he likes to read, listen to music and research the Craft. He is looking forward to joining other orders when he’s permitted to in the next year and also to soon begin his journey through the progression of officers starting off with the Inner Guard.