Greetings Brethren!
Remembering why you became a Freemason will be the theme of 2023 for Olive Branch. Everyone reading this and everyone we meet at the Lodge during Regular Communications knocked on the door of the Lodge without any real-world knowledge of what was waiting on the other side. They knew not of a Worshipful Master, a Trustee, a Junior Deacon, etc.
In my observation, the 3 figurative Pillars of Freemasonry are as follows: Fellowship, Esoteric Learning, and Ritual. And are thus explained.
Fellowship is that which brings men from Brothers to friends. True Friendship is rare and can be considered just a close as family. Indeed, one can become a true Brother through friendship.
Esoteric Learning is that which outlines or frames real world ideas and thoughts into a framework to be used practically. At the end of the journey of in-depth learning of Freemasonry, one can display the beauty of holiness, and one can appreciate the beauty of holiness, like watching a sunrise or a sunset and living in the moment while it happens. What seems complicated is transformed into something very singular and simple.
And Most importantly, our Ritual. This is passed down from generation to generation of Masons. This is what distinguishes us as Masons. Like a poem or song, Masonic Ritual impacts us all differently. One can hear certain Rituals 32 times to then find something completely unseen on the 33rd time. The Ritual is something all Masons have in common and what cements the Brotherly bond.
Ask yourself, why did you become a Mason?
WB Christopher Curcia