WHAT PART IS IN PLAY

Though we practice Freemasonry, it is not a Constitution, ritual or even protocols that makes us Freemasons. It is our mind, our body, our emotions that are influenced when we allow our personal understanding of the Craft to penetrate.  As we are a life in progress, influence is always a potential. What lingers behind, means we are gone but not gone from memory.  When our work is found, it is there to be read and considered again, just as we did once so long ago. It would be foolish to think all brethren are or should be absorbed to the depth of alchemists or the sensibility of the occult. The course is directed by ethics and morality. Explore between those pillars, to satisfy curiosity knowing no one else will realize what you discovered.  Nor does it bring  validation to explain your thinking for approval. Hiram we are told, was alone when he was confronted.  Just like you and me. Alone to make decisions, to react and even to sacrifice when presented with a convenient choice that would 'save' or the right choice that would leave harm. It should be uplifting in some way, when we are together. Good food, good drink, celebrating the group moment with our culturally endorsed Festive Board lets us reenact celebration, uplifting influences.  There is legitimacy to the small, quiet voice, to the boiserous claimants, contemplation is a step away from the clamour. It would be confusion if not for practices. He should be able to practice his understanding as we agreed- within a framework of values, principles, practices and culture.  Even free-thinkers will occur. Even disruption will be kept in check. Learning and understanding are enhanced in dialogue. Criticism is well mannered. Offense avoided.  What matters are impressions left that satisfy the mind. That and the continuity of practical potential for self-improvement, artistry and science.  Thank G-d- whatever that is.