MS Lodge of Research DCXL
We are admonished in our several Masonic teachings to follow the precepts of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Again, in theory, these appear to be easy enough to accomplish, however, actual practice requires some thought and practical application of these simple truths. As background, let us use the current COVID-19 pandemic to view how we practice these tenets of our unique belief system or put some feet on this theory.
Our current situation in Mississippi is that we have thousands of Mississippians infected with the COVID-19 virus and hundreds more have been sickened by its effects. More importantly, over two hundred have died. A quick review of the statistics can be located here, MSDH https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html and CDC https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf .
The data on these sites will reveal that most people are likely to survive the illness. From this data to be reviewed one observation that can be made is that MOST cases are very mild. In fact, if you are young and healthy, you are most likely to be okay, with or without any restrictions. However, we must be reminded that the primary purpose we have had the “Shelter in Place” orders is to “flatten the curve” for the purpose of protecting our health system from being overloaded and not to stop the virus which remains very deadly for the most vulnerable of our general population-people who are aged and infirm, people with pre-existing conditions, people with cancer, people recovering from surgery, indeed our elders from whom we have inherited this remarkably great State and Nation-Indeed, the greatest Fraternity known to mankind. I would ask you to think of your Lodge, think of the Brethren that make up the most active members– your closest friends and family while you view the referenced data on the MSDH and CDC websites.
Now ask yourself what is the age category of most of our members? One thing we can do is simply look around and what do you see? One data set reported in Grandview reveals that the age of our average member is sixty-eight. While this is not a pure science data reporting feature, it does represent an opportunity to pause for reflection on what is the potential impact on our membership?
Now to continue a few thoughts on our Masonic teachings as introduced above: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love. A review of the basis of our Masonic tenets and the need for Brotherly Love is not the intent of this discourse. The intent is to simply state that there is ample evidence of the need for us to address it in our daily decisions. One could infer that to some measure we are our Brother’s keeper. Examples are replete throughout the rule and guide of our Faith-the Holy Bible. Citations would include passages with familiar words to include, “…What greater love…” In another verse, Jesus said to, “…love thy neighbor as thyself…” These all appear to imply in some measure that there is some duty to protect or assist them, to perhaps help them however you can. It seems that we should remember somewhere along life’s journey (and most certainly our Masonic journey) being taught that we are to view life through the lens of increasing the likelihood of our Brother’s survival moreover that that of ourselves. Simply stated, to think more of others welfare than that of ourselves, particularly if we can do so without material injury to ourselves or families.
Relief. The word itself suggests that we attempt to ameliorate suffering as best we can. In the words of Albert Mackey, “To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Freemasons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.”
Truth. Our Masonic obligations and the great Truths contained in our book of Very Sacred Law-the Holy Bible makes clear the responsibilities we owe to ourselves, our families, our State, our Country and our God. And yet it appears that everyone has a differing opinion on how to best address simple practices recommended by our Governor, State Health Officer and our own Grand Master. What could be simpler than hand washing, the wearing of community masks and social distancing or not gathering in groups larger than ten? Or only essential travel. One truth we do not need to overlook in our present situation is that we simply do not need to put our most vulnerable populations at risk until we can develop a plan of action that protects them as best we can–we need to maintain our watchful and careful stance utilizing social distancing for the short term.
Rights and benefits. The “rights” that some in the general society are very loudly being demanded, but it appears that some value THEIR rights more than the rights of others. While there is no doubt an economic interest in play by getting our economy back on track. Is that to be the new math in determining risk for our most vulnerable populations? I am unfamiliar with that part of the lectures where it was emphasized as it being about the rights of an individual. It is much easier for me to accept the fact that the benefits being spoken of are one being granted from the group and being provided to each of the individuals as a right. But what it does not represent is that one receives a right without some a need for personal responsibility for certain actions. The same Altar where the rights are collected is the same Altar where the obligations are solemnly taken. I recollect that in order to receive the rights and benefits there was an explanation provided about there being an accompanying obligation to the group at large.
We are to be peaceable citizens and to make sure that none bring reproach upon ourselves or our Fraternity. What message to the public or received by them if were to continue as though there were no danger for anyone else by our continuing to meet at the local Lodge hall?
Just a thought, we use this time to use some silence and circumspection to re-visit our obligations and at what price we are willing to provide another with a benefit. The benefit of brotherly love, relief and truth with less risk associated with it? There are hundreds of books available online to read, dozens of Masonic themed podcasts to listen to. Thousands of Masonic based web blogs to read and comment on. Over the coming days I will make sure to provide a link to the MS Lodge of Research for a few examples for those with internet access to explore and enjoy. Let us say you do not have internet? Call and ask your Secretary for a list of the members of your Lodge and reach out to have a conversation with them on the phone, many of whom we have not seen or spoken with for some time. Let us use our time wisely to focus on the things we CAN do as opposed to doing the few things we need to limit at this time.
In closing, I offer this simple thought and suggestion, please let us not make our Brothers run the gauntlet of fear and risk their physical health to collect on their benefits of having a safe Masonic experience by hurrying up the process. Remember, the average age of our Brethren in Mississippi is the late 60s from the report I reviewed. As such, let us be cautious in jumping on the bandwagon to get “back to normal.” A new form of “normal” that life from henceforth, unless a vaccine or cure is found will include that COVID-19 will be just as deadly to our senior members of the Craft for the foreseeable future. We owe it to them and indeed ourselves, to take a measured, reasonable and rational look at the circumstances and outcomes: decisions and possible outcomes that will surely follow us throughout Eternity.
Fiat Lux
Sincerely and respectfully submitted,
Terry McLeod, WM
Mississippi Lodge of Research DCXL
