From the East – December 2018

Dear Brothers,
Well, it’s that time of year again. There is holiday music on the radio, holiday movies on the television, both 24/7, and it can only mean one thing to a New Jersey Freemason, Installation time. That time of the year when the incoming Worshipful Master is trying to figure out how he is going to get to all the events he is required to attend, plus make time for family, work, etc.

It also means that this is my last message from the East. I hope that you found something of interest in my previous messages. To those who wrote comments of encouragement to me, thank you for your kind words.

During my masonic journey to the East, the one thing that I have taken away is that, Masonry is a participation sport and that the old saying is true, “you get out of it, is what you put into it”. The lessons and knowledge are there, the Mentors and Brothers to guide you are there, but you must put forth effort to seek the knowledge. Remember that everyone’s path is different, for we are looking for different things at different points in our lives. Therefore, while a Brother can guide you, he cannot take the journey for you. I can tell you that I initially joined the craft for the fellowship, but over the past couple of years have found an additional interest in the craft’s history and the esoteric aspects of the fraternity and its ritual.

It is also that time of the year when we sit down to make resolutions for the upcoming year. So this year take a moment to make a Masonic resolution. If you haven’t been to lodge for a while, resolve to come to a meeting or better yet one of our degrees. Your Officers work very hard to learn their ritual and put on a good degree for the candidates. Wouldn’t it be great, and they would appreciate it if more of the membership came out to view their work. If you don’t like to stay out too late at night, resolve to come to the dinner prior to the meeting and break bread with your Brothers, it’s what I like to refer to as fraternal networking. And it is always great to see Brothers that you have not seen in a while.

Lastly, a subject I’ve touched on previously is social media and your obligations. Social media has
allowed people to freely express their “so-called” opinions in disrespectful and sometimes cruel ways.

Before sending that message, think about your obligations and duties as a Mason. Remember the EA charge regarding your duty to your neighbor, act upon the square and do unto them as you would wish they should do unto you.

Thank you for the honor you have given me, to serve you as your Worshipful Master this past year.
See you in lodge.
Fraternally,
Daniel E. O’Brien
Worshipful Master