York
Rite Masonry
Saint Paul, Minnesota
A thought for new Master Masons
(dedicated to out-going W.M. Steven Leinen, Braden Lodge 168)
By Ray Hayward
“The youth,
who daily farther from the East,
Must travel,
still is nature's priest."
-Wordsworth
On being brought to further light and receiving all the rights, lights, and benefits as a new Master Mason, I would like to offer one thought for your contemplation and meditation. During the third degree you were asked, "From whence come you and wither are you traveling?” In the preceding degrees and in the third degree you are asked who you are, why you are there, whether it's of your own free will and accord, and what makes you eligible for admission. Only in the third degree are you asked a further question, a question about your inner intent, purpose, and desire.
In the above verses by the poet Wordsworth I found some hints and clues as to the question and a possible answer. If traveling from the East is a metaphor for growing up, or aging, then maybe the journey back to the East is the journey to return to our original nature. This is perhaps summed up by the innocence, mystery, wonder, and enthusiasm of childhood. Maybe we are trying to return to the sincerity, spontaneity, joy, and potential, of our youth, which have been squelched and overshadowed by our programming, disappointment, and conditioning during our transitions to adulthood.
I'd like to offer this the food for thought on your most special day. Today you have begun your journey, the journey of further light. You have changed your course from the West, and are now traveling East. You are now officially a "traveling man", a good man getting better. Where are you traveling? To the East? To the light? To wisdom? To strength? To beauty? To your own destiny? Today you began the long journey back to your original nature. Welcome!