- Greetings from the East! March 1, 2021
“This is what it is, ok. I said empty your mind; be formless. Shapeless. Like water. You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
While these words by the amazing Bruce Lee were said in regard to his fighting techniques, I believe they can be used in our everyday lives. Simply put, one must learn to be flexible and adapt. Standing your ground for what you believe is right and just is always admirable, but if this is your reaction to every situation, you will never learn all the information, about the troubles of others, or improve yourself. Some things require a more open interpretation and stance, rather than an automatic hardening of one’s resolve and refusal to change.
If you want a more Masonic allusion, water is another tool that can be used by the builder to cut away or smooth rough edges. Have you ever picked
up a river rock? Its natural smoothness is caused by years of water passing over it, slowly removing any juts or sharp angles it may have originally had. Like that rock, you must use the waters of time to smooth over any of your own aggressive or negative characteristics. If you choose not to, you will end up more like the Grand Canyon, which has been carved away by the Colorado River, dividing itself by miles.
Everything we are taught in Masonry is meant to help us improve ourselves. Be open and adapt, my brethren. Be accepting of change.
Be like water.
Fraternally,
WM Andrew
Continue reading → - Patience February 1, 2021
My Brothers,
One of the many things that was said to me as I made arrangements for my year in the East was that I would learn things about myself. Although it has only been a month, those lessons are already starting, and I would like to share one with you all.
Patience.
Some say it’s a virtue. Others, like myself, have a hard time finding it. Still, no matter how hard it is to obtain, we all must attempt to utilize it. If things are built too hastily, their foundation may not be properly laid, leading to a collapse of the entire structure. Patience allows us to step back and analyze a situation and determine the best course of action.
Patience is also the natural enemy of anger. Anger is quick and voracious, devouring clear thought and mindfulness without a care for the outcome. Patience slows the mind, grants us the ability to see through the fog of anger, and focus on a goal that will be the most advantageous to all involved.
So, be it through music, meditation, prayer, or whatever allows you to find it, I ask you, my Brother, to find and use patience in all of your endeavors, so that they all may be in your favor.
Be the builder, not the shovel.
Fraternally,
WM Andrew
Continue reading → - Greetings from the East! December 30, 2020
Brethren,
Well, here it is. My first Master’s Message. To be honest, it still hasn’t set in yet. With all the commotion and uncertainty that was 2020, the idea that I would ever be in a position of leadership, either at my job or within our Fraternity, never even occurred to me.
Sure, plenty of Brothers have sent their congratulations and well wishes but hearing the words “Worshipful Master” before my name, or when an officer or brother requires my attention, still affects me differently. I am truly humbled that you all allowed me to hold this office.
That being said, we have a lot of work ahead of us. We have been unfortunately tied down by the mandates of our local government, but let me assure you, this will not stop us from remaining a beacon both within our community and within Freemasonry. Brotherly love and friendship cannot be affected by this virus, so don’t let it stop you from reaching out and reminding each other that we are our Brother’s keeper.
Patience, my Brethren. Remain vigilant while we are apart. Celebrate the times we do get to see each other. Forget not the obligations you took. We will all get through this, and when we do, the event will be memorable.
Fraternally,
WM Andrew
Continue reading →
Most Worshipful MW Robert V. Monacelli
RW Michael J. Carducci
R.W. Carlson Fischedick