Bridging the Gap of Wisdom | Division and Deficiency

Bridging the Gap of Wisdom Second installment of the Bridging the Gap Series On the first installment of the series Bridging the Gap, we discussed how disappointment can be detrimental to the progress of a Mason. Disappointment can discourage a Man's pursuit of further goals, because it is a natural reaction to avoid those things which cause us pain or discomfort. In particular, Brothers who become disillusioned with Freemasonry, because of the seemingly unbridgeable gap that exists between his expectations and what actually happens behind a Tyled door. On this segment of the series, I want to speak about the gap of Wisdom, which exists between some groups of Brothers within the Lodge. I have identified that this gap of Wisdom manifests itself in at least two ways, which I categorize as Division and Deficiency. It is hoped that, if you identify any of these wisdom gaps within your Lodge, you act as a catalyst for change and begin labor to restore unity. After all, if we all take personal responsibility for the portion of labor which corresponds to each one of us, then our organization can shift focus from within and increase the labor that we do for those outside of our Temple's walls. Division: We meet on the level, but sit at separate tables. As Masons we all know that we meet On The Level; However, if you pay close attention to stated communications and events, you might notice a pattern emerge. You may notice that often there are tables with only past masters and while other tables only contain the youngest Entered Apprentices (E.As.). Although there is nothing wrong with spending time with people who share the same experiences we do, it is important that we are mindful of the needs that exist, even within the festive boards and fundraiser events. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. I have never been to a Lodge where I felt unwelcome or marginalized. However, it is almost inevitable to see the segmentation of the attendees of any meeting, to the degree in which you can almost guess their age, degree and appendant body affiliation. It goes without saying that the more often this happens, the longer the Wisdom gap remains between these various groups of Brothers. One remedy is for the young E.As. to be encouraged to approach any and all Brothers within the Lodge and during Masonic Events, especially if we want to continue to claim that we ALL meet on the Level. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. This is, of course, a two-way street. If you have enjoyed the great privilege of being entrusted with a leadership position within your Lodge, District or Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, then with more reason you should feel inclined to demonstrate what meeting on the Level is all about. I found a beautiful description of the commitment we should have, as Masonic Leaders, to the upcoming generations of Masons. It is a portion of a lecture delivered by Albert Pike at the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in February of 1858. "To sow, that others may reap; to work and plant for those that are to occupy the earth when we are dead; to project our good influences far into the future, and to live beyond our time; to rule as the Kings of Thought over men who are yet unborn; to bless with the glorious gifts of Truth and Light, and Liberty, those who may never know the name of the giver, nor care in what grave his unregarded ashes repose, is the true office of a Mason, and the proudest destiny of a man.".1 Deficiency: Scarcity amidst abundance We are proud members of an ancient Fraternity, whose focus is to share Light with men who want to illuminate their own path.