OUT OF THE RITUAL

John T Neal Senior Warden

Kingman Lodge #22 F&AM

As I ponder life in general and Masonry in particular I’m confronted with many questions. After beginning my Masonic journey some thirteen years ago I only truly began to seek for truths within the teachings of Masonry over the last two years. I now find myself confronted with more questions than ever. However that is not to say that I am not learning. On the contrary, I find that if I sit and concentrate my full attention upon the ritual while trying to learn one of its many sections, my mind begins to slowly perceive certain underlying flows within the writings. Nothing here is really hidden it just takes serious study before it begins to unfold. Here are some thoughts that I offer for your consideration.

There is no doubt in my mind that what I am about to discuss is only a small fraction of what can be learned within the confines of the Masonic ritual. After saying that I think that many Brothers my self included often begin this journey in search of purpose, meaning, and values associated with, or flowing out of Masonry. There is perhaps no single definition that is suitable for all men. I therefore encourage you to seek for yourself, study, learn a lecture, but most importantly, while traveling though your Masonic journey remember that there is a distinction between memorization and “LEARNING BY HEART”. What I mean by that is that sometimes you cannot fully understand the meaning by memorization alone. It takes time, repetition, and study to put the authors words into context. Without context and background it is only words.

In the beginning of my travels the one question that kept occurring to me was why? Regardless of where it came from or when, why did so many men put so much time and effort into the development of our ritual and fraternity? The most obvious answer to my way of thinking is that they had discovered or were privy to certain knowledge and methodologies which helped them to live a more rich and fulfilling life. One would think that this was so fundamentally important to them that they were compelled to develop a means to institutionalize this knowledge for the betterment of all mankind. This leads to my next question. What did they know that inspired them to go to such lengths to pass this knowledge down through time for the benefit of future generations’?

Well the answer to that will not be easy. There are most likely many things they wanted us to learn. In this I can only offer to you one small part of a much larger picture. One Brothers humble opinion. However, I believe this to be one of the fundamental teachings of Free Masonry, and perhaps an answer to one of many questions.

Let us began by summarizing the three degrees. In the first degree we learn about brotherhood, trust, fidelity, and others but most importantly three very important things occur. First, we are caused to kneel for the benefit of prayer, then we are asked in whom do we put our trust, and lastly when we are brought out of darkness finding the first objects presented to our view are the three great lights of Masonry the first of which is the Holy Bible. What are these three things trying to impress upon us? For now let us move on.

In the second degree we learn about the importance of expanding our knowledge in the arts and sciences, of conducting our actions by the square. We learn about the letter G and the first science, geometry. More importantly we learn that the initial G has a deeper meaning it being the first letter in the word God. Even though this degree focuses on the arts and sciences we are still reminded of the importance of the Grand Architect of the universe. We teach the candidate to bow with reverence at the mere mention of his name.

In the third degree we are taught the history of the building of King Solomon’s temple. Through this we learn about commitment, fidelity, and many other good lessons. In a word we learn about integrity. Most importantly we study the actions of one man, the GMHA. We learn that he was the architect of the work, that he was well skilled in the arts and sciences. Think about this. Here was a man who had the knowledge to design and oversee the building of a structure that took more than seven years to build. Seven years with over one hundred and fifty thousand workmen. Can you imagine the complexities of such a project? Yet even with all of his vast knowledge he still found it necessary to go into the temple and pray for the wisdom necessary to enable him to draw designs upon the trestleboard.

OK. Let’s recap and try to tie this all together. The first degree teaches many lessons in Masonry but most importantly it is made clear that God will be ever present in this journey. Indeed one need not apply if he has no belief in the Supreme Being. To attempt to do so would be an exercise in futility.

The second degree stresses the importance of seeking knowledge, of expanding our minds. We learn the importance of applying reason. It speaks to us of the importance of the arts sciences in the development of civilization. But yet again we are reminded to be reverent to God, to recognize that He is the Supreme Architect of the universe.

The third degree reiterates many of the lessons of the first two by providing an example. The GMHA. He teaches through example. Isn’t that one of the best ways to teach? The GMHA demonstrates to us that it was through prayer that he was enabled to design what he did. Not praying just once in a while or just on Sunday but every day. I am reminded that in my own life the most successful times have been when I was close to that source of power and goodness. When I took time throughout my day to get quiet and allow that guidance to penetrate.

So, what were our brothers trying so hard to impress upon us? More than I have discussed here certainly. However, I believe that they were expressing to us how fundamentally important it is to include God. Ever striving for greater knowledge and understanding. Always applying reason in our day to day lives, but never forgetting that the source of all knowledge and goodness flows from divine order.

John T. Neal

© Copyright 2007. Kingman Lodge No. 22, F.&A.M.; Grand Lodge of Arizona. All rights reserved.