2009 Oration
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished Brothers and Brothers all, Good Morning,
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished guest and brethren all. It has been my distinct privilege to serve as your Grand Orator this past year, and Most Worshipful Brian, I thank you for your confidence in me to serve on your Grand Line. I have had the opportunity to make many new friendships throughout the state, and rekindle some of the older friendships.
Does anyone remember the name Vince Lombardi? In the early 1960s, the Green Bay Packers hired a man by the name of Vince Lombardi. The Packers went on to establish a legendary presence in the NFL. When Vince Lombardi took over, he emphasized a strong and dedicated work ethic as well as emphasizing the simple concepts of blocking and tackling. With only a handful of plays, compared to today's standards, Lombardi's teams dominated the NFL. Coach Lombardi had transformed his team slowly, by returning to the basics and mastering the basics.
As we progress through our journey in life there are many times when we as an individual, a corporation, or a fraternity must return to the basics. This morning, for a brief time, I'd like to return to our basics in the Masonic Fraternity.
Recently, I have read several articles on the basic tenets of Freemasonry and would like to share some of these ideas as well as some of my own insights. We are well aware that the basic tenets of Freemasonry consist of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. But before we review each of these, let me ask you a simple question: What is a "tenet"? Webster's defines "Tenet" as "any opinion, doctrine, dogma that is held as true." To expand on this, we can say that it is any teaching so universally accepted, that we believe it without question. Some examples of tenets: The sun will rise in the East in the morning; Education is preferred to ignorance; an industrious man is better than an idle one. Without a doubt, these are tenets that no wise man could possibly refute. And everybody takes these tenets for granted.
Freemasonry considers Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth to be teachings that are irrefutable to mankind. These tenets, within our Fraternity, are basic and understood universally. Freemasonry elaborates the teachings that these are all realities of life. Therefore, it is not for us to question these tenets, but to ask, what do we do with them?
Looking at each of these tenets, I'd like to begin with examining Brotherly Love. This is a pretty broad area and I suppose that there are as many meanings to Brotherly Love as there are brethren in this room. Starting with the word "Love" don't we mean placing the highest importance on another human that we can possibly bestow? With this definition doesnŐt it appear that the word "Love" is over-used today? Truly, we "Love" our father and mother, our spouse, our children, our grandchildren, and our most intimate friends. Our love for these people is not for our own personal benefit or for their usefulness, but for each individual in his own person and for his own sake. We will work for them, we will sacrifice for them, and we enjoy being in their company. . . this is "Love." With an understanding of "Love" we now have a better perspective of Brotherly Love. Brotherly Love, in its true meaning as a tenet, forces us to look past all of our social biases and social stigmas. Only Brotherly Love, which many can see as only a vision, and not a practical reality, stands between each Mason to fully understand all of our Masonic teachings. "By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family; . . . all being created by one Almighty Parent, and [as] inhabitants of the same planet, [we] are to aid, support, and protect each other." Does this sound familiar?
When we refer to the word "relief" we usually associate it with Charity. And most times Charity is considered in monetary terms, as a relief from poverty. The Masonic meaning of "Relief" is much broader based than the general public's concern for the helpless, under privileged, or unemployed. Masonic Relief considers that regardless of how frugal or resourceful an individual may be, there are unexpected circumstances that call for Relief. Take for example the loss of a spouse or the loss of a child. Times like this call for spiritual comfort and the assurance of a sincere and continuing interest and friendship. Personally, having been on both sides of this example, let me give you a first-hand perspective. Years ago, having to visit the survivor of someone that has passed, I was very hesitant because I had no idea of what to say to the survivor. But brethren, I have found that no words need to be spoken. Many times your presence is the only thing that is necessary. Your presence is the "assurance to the survivor that you have a sincere and continuing interest and friendship." Another example: how about hospital visits? How many of us enjoy visiting someone in the hospital? A minority I am sure. But how many of us, who have had a stay in the hospital, enjoy the company of a visiting brother? The visitor accomplishes much just by showing up: it permits the spouse or relative the opportunity to leave the room and change the scenery. Furthermore, it permits the patient, the opportunity to share some inner feelings that might upset the spouse if the feelings were shared with them (i.e. severe pain, health concerns). And sometimes, not a word need be mentioned, just the fact that you visited is enough to ensure his comfort and your continued friendship.
Finally, we come to the last of the tenets: "Truth." From the First Degree we are taught that "Truth is a divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry." Considering "Truth" on a tangible perspective, our Holy Bible is "God's inestimable gift to man," and since God speaks the Truth, then the Bible is truth. On a more inner and personal level, how do we know when God is speaking to us? When we do the "right thing" there is no doubt in our mind that have done good. This "right thing" originates from the heart. However, there are times that we have an idea to do the "right thing," and then try to rationalize it to ourselves. i.e. "I should really stop by and visit George at the hospital this afternoon. Yeah, but he's probably resting, has other visitors, is seeing the doctor etc." In situations like this, brethren, my recommendation is to disregard the rationalization and follow through with the initial idea, because that's the emotional idea that comes from the heart, and after completing your idea, you'll have that warm fuzzy feeling inside.
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth: the principal tenets of Masonry. These tenets are not novel, but they are the light of knowledge upon which the truths of Freemasonry are founded. These tenets are a continued inspiration and have an inexhaustible appeal to all mankind. . . and Freemasons everywhere.
W.Bro. Bruce H. Fritzsche, P.M.
Grand Orator 2009
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