Comfort in Ritual and Symbol
I became a Mason in December of 2000. So, I have been in the craft for seven years. In those seven years I've already heard the ritual of opening an closing a lodge dozens, probably over 100 times. And, as I think about the ritual, virtually the same words have been spoken to open a lodge in Iowa for over 100 years. And, similar openings have been conducted in bringing a lodge of Masons together for hundreds of years.
So, what is the purpose in the same words, actions, signs, and steps being given each and every time we meet?
First, it is instruction. We are reminded of our duties as Masons in the opening and closing rituals.
Second, it is a way to circumscribe out time. From the opening of a lodge to its closing we are to leave the cares of the world behind. For that time we are shut off from the world, its worries, its concerns, its conflicts, and its politics. Men gather in a lodge on the level.
But, for me another function is comfort. The repeated ritual actually brings me a sense of relaxed well being. I know that I am in familiar surroundings where old, well worn, even ancient words are said again and again. I know that we will share together in the next hour things both old and new. We will talk about the business of the lodge but, much more than that. We will lift up the needs of a brother, we will find ways to act charitably, we will seek to bring new men into this gentle craft, we will receive a fine presentation on the symbols of our lodge. And, as brethren we will enjoy each others fellowship.
Masons call it the "mystic tie." I know that sounds phrase full of sentimentality But, it isn't just that. The mystic tie is a sense of belonging, a sense of experiencing what is right in the world, a sense of friendship and brotherhood, and a sense of comfort.
I can step into any Masonic lodge in the world and hear similar if not the same words. And I can find the same mystic tie even among brethren I've never met. That same ritual and symbolism ties me to Masons of all the previous generations who have also shared these same words, symbols, and sentiments.
So for me, when the Master raps his gavel and the lodge comes to order, for that time all feels right with the world immersed in the depths of ancient symbols, old and true words, and high and noble ideals.
So, what is the purpose in the same words, actions, signs, and steps being given each and every time we meet?
First, it is instruction. We are reminded of our duties as Masons in the opening and closing rituals.
Second, it is a way to circumscribe out time. From the opening of a lodge to its closing we are to leave the cares of the world behind. For that time we are shut off from the world, its worries, its concerns, its conflicts, and its politics. Men gather in a lodge on the level.
But, for me another function is comfort. The repeated ritual actually brings me a sense of relaxed well being. I know that I am in familiar surroundings where old, well worn, even ancient words are said again and again. I know that we will share together in the next hour things both old and new. We will talk about the business of the lodge but, much more than that. We will lift up the needs of a brother, we will find ways to act charitably, we will seek to bring new men into this gentle craft, we will receive a fine presentation on the symbols of our lodge. And, as brethren we will enjoy each others fellowship.
Masons call it the "mystic tie." I know that sounds phrase full of sentimentality But, it isn't just that. The mystic tie is a sense of belonging, a sense of experiencing what is right in the world, a sense of friendship and brotherhood, and a sense of comfort.
I can step into any Masonic lodge in the world and hear similar if not the same words. And I can find the same mystic tie even among brethren I've never met. That same ritual and symbolism ties me to Masons of all the previous generations who have also shared these same words, symbols, and sentiments.
So for me, when the Master raps his gavel and the lodge comes to order, for that time all feels right with the world immersed in the depths of ancient symbols, old and true words, and high and noble ideals.
Timothy Bonney
1 Comment
Reader Comments (1)
http://www.cemeteryspot.com/blog/?p=119 . Please pass this on to as many brother Masons and Lodges as you can worldwide. We would like to make this a central place where the life of everday Masons can seen and where people will recognize that Masonry really does make good men better.