Message
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Message from the Worshipful Master The WM Bernhard W. Hoff, PM
Email:
Bernhard W. Hoff Brothers, Tradition, as well as Grand
Lodge directive, has it that the Master’s Message in our trestleboards should
offer some thoughts about a topic of larger significance than simply a
discussion of the programs and events listed elsewhere in the trestleboard. But
I find it difficult to focus on an elevating topic when my thoughts are engaged
in the details of planning and scheduling required by the production of a
trestleboard, as they are now. It strikes me that life itself presents us all
with the same dilemma: We know life
is about something more than the just details of living, but it is easy to lose
track of the ‘something more’ when the details of living clamor for our full
attention. Most of us have joined the
fraternity for the sake of the ‘something more’, but now find the details of
being a member of a Masonic Lodge are clamoring for our attention. We have an
early schedule of Official Visits, and little time to get our new officers up to
speed on their parts for the DDGM’s inspection of our degree work. But we will
likely lose a meeting in February due to a conflict with Valentine’s Day (most
of us being married men). And we have our turn to assist at the Lyons VA
Hospital. So much we are obliged to cover, in spite of our other commitments,
and so little of it is apparently related to the ‘something more’ that we all
seek. Or is that activity really
unrelated to the ‘something more’? A wiser man than I am would suggest that
larger lessons can be learned simply from paying attention while engaged in the
details of living. But like most of us, I need something a little more
immediately gratifying. What I do find gratifying and worthwhile is the time
spent in the company of the brethren. That sense of camaraderie is
the true cornerstone of the fraternity from time immemorial, no matter what
other elements have been layered onto it. When seen in that light, those
artificial imperatives like DLI’s, official visits, and VA hospital service, can
be seen as opportunities for spending enjoyable time with “the guys” while
contributing something to the larger community. Modern society affords us with
few such soul-feeding opportunities anymore. I look forward to participating in
these activities, and urge my brothers to join the enjoyment as well. Fraternally,
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