Greetings Brethren,
Darkness and Light are recurring themes in Masonry. From the first hoodwink through each degree of initiating, passing and raising, to the last closing of a regular communication, the symbolism of darkness followed by light is a central theme in Masonry. As our lodges are about to go dark for the summer (after being in near darkness since March) I thought we could consider the meaning of darkness this month and look at light when we open in September.
Darkness has long been a symbol of ignorance, as a contrast to light being a symbol of knowledge. “Darkness was upon the face of the deep….God said let there be light, and there was light.” Since the beginning darkness has naturally preceded and is then later displaced by light. We are first hoodwinked because as Albert Mackey has pointed out, “…the aspirant was always shrouded in darkness, as a preparatory step to the reception of the full light of knowledge.” Thus in darkness we are prepared to receive and appreciate light as we advance with each degree till at last we have received all the light that can be imparted in a lodge of master masons.
Of course we are never in total darkness nor in total light but, we always strive to receive as much light as we can. As in so much of life, the journey is the reward. Leaving the dark behind is the goal. Let us hope we can all leave the current darkness behind soon and enjoy the light of regular lodge meetings in the fall.
Have a great summer while you enjoy the light of sunshine with your family and friends.
Fraternally,
F. Lawrence Vernamonti, WM
