Always remember that being a good mason requires a lot of hard work. Being a man isn’t easy, but being a mason is even harder. If you’re not putting in the effort, do you really want to be better, or do you just want a title?

Ways to put in the effort:

1. Research history, antiquities, different constitutions, your lodge, etc. There is always something to research. If you think there isn’t, or it’s already been done before, take a closer look.

2. Practice the tenets of Masonry. Try to use at least one everyday. Work your way up to two, and then three. Before you know it, you’ll no longer be a rough ashlar.

3. Write down your thoughts and experiences and share them with your peers. You don’t know how many people are going through the same experience that you are. Sharing this gives you someone who can stand beside you, and can give you a different perspective. Writing it down solidifies it’s importance, and won’t just be something you ‘feel’.

4. Role model the behaviour that you wish to see in your lodge. Want your lodge to be more charitable? Take up charity projects yourself and involve your brothers. Feel your lodge doesn’t have brotherhood? Organize an event of fun and camaraderie. Emulate that which you wish to happen.

5. Advise and mentor brethren whom you believe are not able to grasp the important aspects of Freemasonry, or whom are there to spectate. Lodge meetings are an active duty for all members, and it is up to the brethren of the Lodge to see that all its members are participating actively. Lead this initiative in your Lodge and see it transform.

6. Do what you want. Seriously. Do whatever you want in your lodge that will be a benefit to both yourself and the other members of your lodge. It really doesn’t matter what it is, with the above condition. But do something. Masons do, Persons don’t.

You don’t need to adhere to any of these, but ask yourself, why are you staying a mason. If you are interested in Masonry at all, you will pursue your interests, but if you are not interested in Masonry, then there are much better places like Lions or Rotary that can offer you better. But if you want to be worthy or being called a Mason, then put in the effort. Be a Mason.

Fraternally yours,

Flynn Francisco

PM, Swastik Lodge 771 I.C., Mumbai

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