The Five Points of
Fellowship
From The Grand Lodge Of Texas
The central bonds that hold Freemasonry together are found in
the obligations we have taken and the commitment to which we honor them. The
word fraternity has its origins in the Latin word "Frater," which means
"Brother." Thus, our Fraternity is a Brotherhood, or sacred band of Brothers,
committed to mutual support, understanding, and affection. The symbol which best
communicates our commitment is the Five Pointed Star, presented in the Master
Mason's Degree. Each point of the star represents a point of fellowship and
reminds us of our obligations to each other. As a group of equals, the Five
Pointed Star should guide our actions toward one another.
With the first point of fellowship, we are instructed to go by
foot to answer the needs of others, but more especially that of a Brother
Freemason. This is not to say we ignore others in our benevolent acts, but
rather that we look carefully not to ignore our Bothers in need. Beyond helping
with Masonic instruction and guarding a Brother's fidelity, we should strive to
insure our Brethren reach their potential and serve the Order to the fullest.
Helping them to improve themselves helps us be better Freemasons.
Within the second point of fellowship, we find the power of
prayer, especially prayer directed for the benefit of a fallen Brother. When we
kneel to pray, we call upon the most powerful force to bring about good.
Acknowledging our dependence upon The Most High can lead to the wisdom to see
His path, the courage to choose that path above all others, and the strength to
carry out His will. Clarity of action and concern for the welfare of our
Brethren makes Freemasonry a stronger Fraternity.
With the third point of fellowship, we are reminded of the
responsibility of trust. Holding in our heart the secrets of our Brother
Freemason is a sacred responsibility. We do have some discretion with those
secrets, but our honor requires treating them with the utmost respect. When
communicated to us confidentially, a Brother's words are to be securely guarded,
as we would wish our own words to be properly guarded. We earn the trust of
others by giving trust, and our Brother is our most trusted friend.
In the fourth point of fellowship, we are charged to support the
character of our Brother, either before his face or behind his back. In an age
when people eagerly seize rumors concerning the conduct of others, we must guard
the character and integrity of our Brethren on all occasions. As Freemasons we
are charged to erect our Masonic edifices, not tear them down, and a careless
word can do more harm than good.
With fifth point of fellowship, we are encouraged to give wise
counsel to our Brother Freemason and to support him in his time of need. In
Ancient Craft Masonry, the hand symbolized the support, while the whispered
counsel, if found worthy, was equally common. The key is to see the
responsibility of communicating good advice and providing support and help in
implementing that advice. No matter who we are, we will need some help at some
time, and, as Freemasons, we should strive to be available to offer our
assistance to others when needed.
Thus the Five Pointed Star reminds us to extend love and
affection to our Brother Freemasons, doing for each of them as we would wish
done for each of us. Each point carries an important lesson and responsibility
found within the teachings of the Third Degree. Never forget that five-pointed
ritual and the bonds that unite us into a sacred band of friend and brothers who
strive to emulate the love of the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe.
back to top |
