“Renaissance”
Dear Brethren,
Odysseus, the hero in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, struggles for his homecoming to his family for 20 long years. Twists of fate and adversarial obstacles in his path all seemingly conspire to prevent him reaching his home that he so longs for.
The Masonic temple, or lodge, is the spiritual home of a mason. While some may never venture far from their spiritual home, other brethren may experience that life’s blowing winds, strong currents, and occasional storms may have taken them far from the familiar shores of the lodge they were raised in. It may take time for some brethren to find their way back home, as was the case with Odysseus. Like some characters Odysseus encounters, some may have forgotten the way home, or altogether forgotten there is even a home to return to.
September is a transitional month: a return to academia from recess, a return to harvest the fruits of our labors in the prior Spring season, a return from refreshment to labor in the quarries of our craft. As we return to lodge this month, let us not forget to reach out to the brother in which too many months or years have passed since they have joined us in fellowship. Remind them that if they follow the beacon of light that emanates from Freemasonry, the open doors of the lodge and open arms of their brethren remain welcoming of their return.
Fraternally,
Henry Da Silva
Worshipful Master