Fear, pain, illness, and a sense of loss—the havoc wrought by the pandemic demands a response on multiple levels. This response must be based on principles of responsibility, solidarity, and fraternity, in the broadest sense of the word.
And so the question arises: Can Freemasonry contribute its grain of sand in this context?
The answer is YES. Freemasonry is founded on the idea that human beings are brothers, and therefore united—despite our differences—by an indissoluble bond. Thus, we must and can contribute.
How to Use My Apprentice Tools in These Difficult Times
The 24-inch Gauge, the Gavel, and the Chisel are part of our personal toolbox as members of a guild of builders, applied to our moral work, which is carried out through analogies. These three tools are closely interconnected, and to use one effectively, the contribution of the other two is often required.
The 24-inch Gauge helps us contextualize, in time and space, what we wish to accomplish. It provides order and purpose to our actions.
Through prayer and meditation, we turn our gaze to the Great Architect of the Universe. We contemplate life, striving to understand the movement and dynamics we find ourselves in, and trying to grasp what is inherent within it. We seek to apply discipline and focus in our actions to achieve coherence and consistency in our daily efforts.
In situations like those we have lived through, it becomes essential to serve a friend or brother in need. Strengthening fraternity is vital, as is being virtually or physically present for brothers or friends who, due to various circumstances, find themselves alone—especially those of advanced age. In doing so, we try to see ourselves in the other.
The 24-inch Gauge provides guidelines for making good use of our time, as a Freemason’s work must be useful and effective at any hour of the day or night. Thus, the gauge invites us to focus on what truly matters.
The 24-inch Gauge requires the support of the Chisel and the Gavel. Why?
Because our tasks require clear, fair, and intelligent criteria, which the Chisel provides. Through internal dialogue, we refine our intentions and actions, clarify our direction, and decide what we should and should not do, always considering respect for others.
Sometimes, we feel that this internal Chisel becomes dull or worn. At such times, we need to refine our decisions and, as in metallurgy, temper it anew.
But the Chisel would be of little use without the Gavel.
The Gavel represents the will, energy, and strength needed to put our decisions into practice, striking with just the right weight and measure. Some of the blows we deliver will be the result of deep reflection. Others may arise from our intuition, that “natural knowledge” that manifests if we remain attentive.
In the current circumstances, this work must always be oriented toward meeting the needs of others and, consequently, strengthening fraternity, the foundation that unites the stones of the temple.
We face a problem that affects individuals and communities, demanding collective action that leaves behind all individualism and selfishness.
The Global Village
The concept of a global village has become more relevant than ever. The whole world is afraid. Its leaders are silent. The notion of loss is more present than ever in every aspect of life, from survival to the circumstances of death.
This fear is often amplified by loneliness, by the lack of someone or something to cling to. Reality appears harsh, without interludes, and anxiety-inducing. How difficult it is to find any degree of certainty or achieve serenity in these moments. Our certainties become approximations while fear tries to infiltrate our core.
In the face of panic, uncertainty, and fear, the best course of action is to use our tools, always keeping in mind the Hermetic values of justice, intelligence, and necessity.
We are in an unprecedented learning process. Through trial and error, we are healing or reorienting our relationships with others. We are learning to value the simple yet profound aspects of existence: companionship, the embrace, and engaging in service.
Masonic Fraternity
Gradually, in specific times and places, with the help of our tools, we polish our stone, our raw material, seeking to apply the notion of service. This is what I strive to do.
We know well that fraternity is not an abstract principle; it does not arise or decree itself spontaneously. It can only be achieved through effort. We are speaking of an interactive fraternity: between the “I” and the “we.”
This interactive fraternity encompasses moral, emotional, or material support that any Mason provides to or receives from his brothers, as an expression of human solidarity for which Freemasonry strives.
The challenge is to emerge together not only from the coronavirus crisis but also from other crises that have surrounded us for decades.
Our duty is to face this challenge with dignity and responsibility, with a critical and philosophical spirit, combining science and conscience in a collective exercise of solidarity, as the core expression of Fraternity.
A Mason is characterized by openness and the ability to listen to social problems and global events. A Mason is aware of his responsibility. Hence the importance of respecting the dignity of others and their differences—of including and integrating others, recognizing their freedom, autonomy, and equality in dignity and rights. Through interdependence, solidarity manifests as a voluntarily assumed bond that unites us with humanity.
The duty of a Mason is to question, respond, and seek solutions to the problems of our time, which requires motivation, creativity, and drive.
Freemasonry and the Pandemic
We are aware of how important it is for our lodge to stay in contact with its members, to be informed of their situation, to be present physically or virtually, to provide affection, and, when possible, to offer fraternal relief.
Freemasonry has a long history of overcoming adversity. Once again, it must serve as a beacon for the community, society, and its members.
Masonic Fraternity is an invitation to work on oneself and with others, forming an intellectual and emotional bond within and with society.
In the somber landscape we currently face, now more than ever, we need to be like bamboo: firmly rooted in ethical values and principles as an expression of active and manifest fraternity, yet flexible enough not to break under hurricane-force winds.
Conclusion
Our tools help us root and strengthen our fraternal and supportive actions.
This pandemic has shown that fraternity and solidarity are fundamental to any response.
The question that arises is: After this experience, when the pandemic is behind us, will we be capable of taking a qualitative leap, creating a new order of existence? Will we be able to learn from the lessons of this experience? Have we understood?
The answer is far from obvious.
APC
