Tolerance Awareness Tuesday

There is a cliche that whenever you hear the ritual, you pick up something new. Just because it's a cliche, doesn't mean that it's incorrect. I discovered that again at the one-day class a few weeks ago.

Listening to the third section of the lecture of the First Degree (not only perhaps the most beautiful lecture in Masonry, but great literature by any standard), I was struck by the following:

By the exercise of BROTHERLY LOVE, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor; who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to
aid, support and protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

If Masons, in fact, ALL peoples, would abide by this admonition, what a beautiful, wonderful, respectful and peaceful world we could live in.

We don't have any control over ALL peoples, but we do over ourselves. Why don't WE attempt to do better to live up to this Masonic principal? If we do, the World will truly be a better place.