HST communications 194

From the East

At our last meeting we had the fortunate privilege of bringing our newly made Brothers to Masonic Light, under the direction of our own Senior and Junior Wardens who performed the ceremony from the Master's seat in the East. Our Lodge is indeed fortunate to have so many members skilled in ritual work, and we are grateful for the wonderful rendition of this beautiful ritual performed by all involved.

During the ritual the Brothers are presented a lambskin apron, an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. (Note well, it is not the ring or the lapel pin that defines the badge of the Mason, but rather the pure white apron he receives during the ritual.) When a Mason dons his apron before entering the Lodge room, he consciously accepts the responsibility that goes with his status. This not only applies to the officers in the line, but additionally to the Brethren on the right and on the left. In fact the Master's first statement in opening the Lodge alludes to the wearing of the apron.

At a New York Masonic funeral, all Masons present wear a white apron, regardless of their rank. This is to signify that we are all equal in death. The white apron is emblematic of one's life's work, and so it is placed on the casket as a symbol of a life well lived as a Mason. Many experiences transpire from the time a Brother receives his lambskin apron at the first degree to the time it is placed upon his casket. Each of us must live our life with the resolve to keep that apron as white and unsullied throughout our span of years, as it was when we first received it.

As upright men and Masons we set our goals to a higher standard of life. Every day we should review and renew our obligations and be aware of what we swore to uphold. In Shakespeare's As You Like It, Jaques states that:

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts...."

One of my beloved spiritual teachers, Swami Muktananda, further elucidated this quote with the phrase, "That the best we can hope for when we leave this play of life is a standing ovation.".

May you and those you love be blessed as much as you are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick

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*8TH ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING DAY* of the 8th Masonic District Association SUNDAY, JULY 12
The Dolphin" 540 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520 516-378-4838 The boat sets sail at 8:30 am Sharp Rain or Shine Join us for Coffee and bagels at 7:30 am 3:30 PM. Return to dock