Path of Light

In youth as an entered apprentice, we learn that we should seek knowledge which we can apply to how we live our lives in manhood as fellowcrafts. This is so that in age, as Master Masons, we can happily look back on our lives so that we can look forward to a glorious salvation.

As a Master Mason, I know for a fact that I still seek knowledge that can be applied to how I live my life. It is a never ending quest to gain knowledge in my craft. So many articles and books to read, posts in web forums to browse, discussions to have with good Brothers.

As a Master Mason, it didn't end. As a Royal Arch Mason, it made me want to learn more, as a Knight Templar, the thirst for knowledge was stronger. As a 32nd degree, the desire to dig deeper yet filled my mind.

We never stop learning. We will never know it all. During a degree which I have sat and watched for a second time, I took something home. A good leader must learn before he can teach. That the skill of learning never ends and that same leader can not lead without the inclusion of his Brothers.

At first, I assumed that someone would come up and give me the secrets of Masonry. I was wrong.
The secret is there only for those who are worthy to see it. Those that are willing to take the time to read and learn it. The few that actually try to live it. No one can truly live it all the time, but you know those that actually make a good attempt. We all make our own good attempts, some are better at it than others, but the point is, you try.

We never stop learning, even through our age, up to the point of our salvation. Once we close our eyes, we can no longer see the light. Not just our physical eyes, but the mind's eye as well. Just seeing is not the point, but understanding is.

Books and degrees are not the sole providers of that light, we watch the actions of our brothers. Learn from the trials of those around us and how their actions affect others. How their deeds and work brighten or dim their own lights. We learn from their success by gaining a shared wisdom or we learn from their mistakes, just as we learn from our own.

In age, we must open our eyes even wider, for sometimes our mind's eye is at rest. We at times think that by virtue of age, we have wisdom. With some things that is true, but that may be a liability with others. We must see the path set before us, to move forward so that we don't impede progress as we stumble with a closed mind. Even in age, we can still gain knowledge and move with the flow of those around us, both young and old.

To achieve that glorious immortality though our faith and our works is important. To get there, our eyes must see and follow the path of light we call Masonry.