masonry: a privilege and a responsibility
by W.
Bro. D. F. G. Kalverla
Visiting a distinguished well known brother, I noticed on his
wall in his study the saying; "If you are a leader, lead. If you are a follower,
follow. If you are none of both, get the hell out of my way."
It sounds kind of abrupt, doesn't it? But isn't it where we as masons have to
focus our minds and deeds? We are aware that we cannot be all leaders, neither
all followers. But if we want to become what we profess to be, we have to become
either one. To lead is carrying the burden of all, to follow is to participate
in carrying part of the burden of the leader. When we don't do either we cruise
under a false flag. We carry the flag in which we do not believe with our soul
and the whole of our being.
Masonry is not a privilege alone, it is a way of life which only can be lived to
is fullest responsibility. It is unnecessary to seek out more members, but to
reinforce our own individual strength. In the multitude of members and
administrative rulings we drown our individual most sublime strength. We the
individual have the privilege to develop ourselves on a personal basis to become
better. Better in our private professions and together better in seeking of the
true light of Masonry. When we cannot and are not able to perform those duties
which are laid open to us by Masonry in our daily lives. But are glorious
disciples of Madison Avenue advertising way of North America life, which does
not request more than sit comfortably and watch the tube in color. You don't
have to strain yourself and are allowed to sleep when the eyes cannot stand the
strain of staring.
For those who have more surge in them, try to read 10 minutes a day in the Work.
Try to comprehend what is written, memorize a charge or part of the work for
your own upgrading, in your own private surge for the light, to better yourself.
And let the Master know, you know and can teach that part for that degree. Enjoy
the feeling to declare yourself to the entered aprentice or fellow. Speak your
part loud and clear, so everyone can enjoy your performance. Bring out your view
of what you understand it to be, with the meaning you understand it to exist of.
We aren't the same, therefore we do not read the same meaning out of an
individual part. But just that will enrich others to be able to hear your view.
And all of them enjoy to enrich themselves with your view, which they never
before have seen. They heard the same words thousands of times but your
intonation and therefor your meaning was never viewed to them because it is your
way and your soul which speaks. Grow up and show them that you are able to
follow at least as well as everyone else. It enlightens our life and deepens the
life of others on the same path of the door of transgression, through which each
of us once shall pass. That is our privilege to pass and our responsibility to
do so with a deep glow of kowledge of the eternal beauty of Masonic truth.
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