Hon. James Olivier, 32° KCCH
Prelate, Director of The Work
February is often considered a time of love and romance in many parts of the world, thanks to Valentine’s Day. In Masonry, it gives us time to reflect on one of our three principal tenets: Brotherly Love. By putting Brotherly Love into action, we celebrate and promote our collective and individual successes in life, and in times of hardship, we are there to soothe the worried mind and help limit our brethren’s sorrows. The best way to exemplify this is by lifting each other up in good times and bad, to give each other all an opportunity to shine both within the Lodge and outside the walls of our meeting halls.
In leadership, we must be mindful of our words and actions. Not only to lead by example and encourage the growth of those who come after us – after all, we’re just keeping seats warm for the next generation – but to lift people up and find the right spots for everyone willing to do the work of continuing the legacy of the Scottish Rite (and Masonry in general). It’s important to encourage that growth for all our collective benefit; our words and actions mean the difference between motivation and indifference; it’s something I always like to keep in mind.
In service, we look to organizations like the Knights of St. Andrew and their work to help set up and tear down the lodge room, help with dinner, and work in the degrees during the reunions. Or to those doing the same who haven’t joined the Knights, the contribution is profound and does not go unnoticed. Of course there’s always opportunities to connect with members who haven’t been to a meeting in a while, reach out, ask them how they’re doing.
In our friendships, when a Brother has fallen on a hard time, encounters a health scare, or suffers a profound loss. A simple phone call or visit is sometimes all it takes to lift someone up from the pits of despair and ease their otherwise troubled mind. Never forget to reach out to a Brother if you know they’re having a tough time; you never know how much that call can change someone’s mindset and well-being.
In all of this, remember one thing. We do these things because they are right, not because they’re convenient or easy. These things aren’t feathers to put in your hats or things to boast about. Doing the right thing isn’t a trophy to be earned. It is simply the thing that must be done. This is what sets us apart from other groups! So, as we move into this month, think about how you might be able to express Brotherly Love among your fellow Masons, and think about how you can use your Masonic life as an outward example to others!
