Thank you for the light you have brought through this article. To be honest, I thought this was mostly a challenge within Mexican lodges—where, at times, it can feel as though we try to emulate organizations whose primary activity (and public banner) is philanthropy.
In my own experience, I had the privilege of joining Freemasonry first, and within a few weeks I realized that charity is indeed one of our pillars—but in Masonry it is also practiced with discretion. As the saying goes, “let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” reminding us that we need not make public what we do for others; on the contrary, charity is best done without seeking recognition.
It was interesting to notice that when I have been invited to Rotary gatherings, there are pins to mark each level of giving one achieves.
Rotary’s work is truly admirable. Through strong organization and administration, they have helped combat great ills of humanity, such as polio. Yet in essence their purpose is fundamentally different from Freemasonry.
Once again, thank you for your contribution. I send you a threefold fraternal embrace.
Brother Rob, I agree we shouldn't lose sight of the purpose of Masonry. Though when I read our ritual I see active tools described. Tools that offer directives rather than speculation or contemplation.
When we read about past Brethren we often see Builders of Men, Community, and Society. They used the tools they were given to create lasting effects, and an enduring legacy for the Craft and themselves.
I do agree that Lodges should not take on roles that might be best suited to other charities or organizations for the sake of it. Placeing themselves at risk of losing their momentum to achieve their primary purpose of making good men better.
Though I do believe the measure of a man can be taken from the burdens he chooses to willingly bear. I think in many cases the work we perform keeps us connected to our communities. I wonder if the issue is more to do with the types of work or charity we choose to take on, rather than the work itself?
I wonder if we centered our involvement around the things our Brethren are passionate about, things that improve their lives, while simultaneously supporting the Craft if we might see different results.
Thoughtful brothers like you are exactly who I write for.
Anticipating this kind of response from those working through the same questions from different angles, I wrote a companion piece when I drafted this one. It releases next week. I'll wait on the conversation until then. Have an awesome weekend Sir!
I appreciate the kind words. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next week and joining you in the comments! Thank you Brother, you too and safe Travels!
Should be out Tuesday.. here's a quote from it. "I want to be clear about something: charity is not the problem.
The obligation is real. It’s in the ritual. Relief is one of the principal tenets we profess. A Mason who ignores suffering when he could help has missed something fundamental.
But there’s a difference between charity as an expression of what we’ve become and charity as a substitute for becoming anything."
My Dear Brother,
Thank you for the light you have brought through this article. To be honest, I thought this was mostly a challenge within Mexican lodges—where, at times, it can feel as though we try to emulate organizations whose primary activity (and public banner) is philanthropy.
In my own experience, I had the privilege of joining Freemasonry first, and within a few weeks I realized that charity is indeed one of our pillars—but in Masonry it is also practiced with discretion. As the saying goes, “let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” reminding us that we need not make public what we do for others; on the contrary, charity is best done without seeking recognition.
It was interesting to notice that when I have been invited to Rotary gatherings, there are pins to mark each level of giving one achieves.
Rotary’s work is truly admirable. Through strong organization and administration, they have helped combat great ills of humanity, such as polio. Yet in essence their purpose is fundamentally different from Freemasonry.
Once again, thank you for your contribution. I send you a threefold fraternal embrace.
Fraternally, César.
That is very well summarized brother, thank you for adding your thoughts.
Brother Rob, I agree we shouldn't lose sight of the purpose of Masonry. Though when I read our ritual I see active tools described. Tools that offer directives rather than speculation or contemplation.
When we read about past Brethren we often see Builders of Men, Community, and Society. They used the tools they were given to create lasting effects, and an enduring legacy for the Craft and themselves.
I do agree that Lodges should not take on roles that might be best suited to other charities or organizations for the sake of it. Placeing themselves at risk of losing their momentum to achieve their primary purpose of making good men better.
Though I do believe the measure of a man can be taken from the burdens he chooses to willingly bear. I think in many cases the work we perform keeps us connected to our communities. I wonder if the issue is more to do with the types of work or charity we choose to take on, rather than the work itself?
I wonder if we centered our involvement around the things our Brethren are passionate about, things that improve their lives, while simultaneously supporting the Craft if we might see different results.
Brother Chad!
Thoughtful brothers like you are exactly who I write for.
Anticipating this kind of response from those working through the same questions from different angles, I wrote a companion piece when I drafted this one. It releases next week. I'll wait on the conversation until then. Have an awesome weekend Sir!
I appreciate the kind words. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next week and joining you in the comments! Thank you Brother, you too and safe Travels!
Should be out Tuesday.. here's a quote from it. "I want to be clear about something: charity is not the problem.
The obligation is real. It’s in the ritual. Relief is one of the principal tenets we profess. A Mason who ignores suffering when he could help has missed something fundamental.
But there’s a difference between charity as an expression of what we’ve become and charity as a substitute for becoming anything."
I believe you dropped this… 🎤. I can’t wait to read the rest.
Once again, you point clearly to the truth, and explain it well. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate you.