Living Stones



The temple made of wood and stone may crumble and decay,
But there's a viewless fabric which shall never fade away
Age after age the Masons strive to consummate the plan,
But still the work's unfinished which those ancient Three began
None but immortal eyes may view, complete in all its parts
The Temple formed of LIVING STONES, the structure made of hearts

This is the first part of a poem called The Temple written by Lawrence Greenleaf.

There is much more to this poem then these few words here. But when I read them the spoke volumes to me. These last few years I have shared my thoughts and feelings regarding my views of Masonry. They may not be yours, and that’s ok. Not everyone practices our Gentle Craft the same. Be it from a jurisdiction or personal point of view. Masonry is a living thing.

When I say my closing prayer at the end of meetings I ask the GAOTU to allow us to see ways to shine the light of Masonry into a darkened world. For it is the one true thing that will save it. This is very much in line with what we are told that we should that “Those duties inculcated with in it” out into the world. 

We do not pray at the altar of Masonry. We ARE the altar of Masonry. The rough, smooth ashlar, the tools by which we work, the VSL. In truth we ARE Masonry.

This has taught me a bit over the last decade and a few. Some lessons are harder than others, and I am sure I will have a few more to go.  It’s ok, I welcome them. They are designed to buoy me up and make me a better man than I was yesterday. Maybe that’s why I think and write about this all the time.

I know that I was offered and took an obligation that cannot be laid aside. Since one of the Landmarks of Masonry is the faith of a life after this one. I will be a Mason not only until I take my last breath here but will continue on forever.

As a Mason, I am the Temple….and so are you. Because we ARE Masonry.

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly

 

 

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