A TIME OF REFLECTION IN UPPER CANADA

Maybe.  Maybe the reality of Freemasonry is a shadow of the ideal. It would be harsh to think an ideal Freemasonry would be tolerable certainly if we draw anything from the work of Thomas More. Utopia has limits. So too does Freemasonry.  Accepting that is not a distortion as much as a fact for those who struggle with becoming.  Nice to think about but to what end.  Here in Upper Canada, we are transitioning, from rough to polished. Lodges are closing in greater numbers than ever before. The membership is well into the winter season, to the extent that questions are being raised about the vitality and relevance of the Ancient Order. At some point, we can surely acknowledge that sense of loss has brought our natural state of caution, to admit privately that we need something more.  But what? It is apparant. that we have opportunity to build and a taste for inspired builders to show their skills.  It is paradoxical that we will need to remember, those knocking at the door are unaware of demise.  Should we be careful to insure the are not introduced to our sense of loss? Perhaps visiting across a district could be curtailed. Perhaps it is a time to go-to-ground and not continuallly remind ourselves of the good-old-days that were what they were. Today has a different pace, just like you and me comparing us as boys to us as mature men- a futile comparison. Change is less overwhelming if we take it out of the Lodge.  Change is what tomorrow brings. Changes is about the seasons. Change ensures every new day is stimulating and challenging.  Suggesting that quantity is quality may justify thinking we are in decline, but are we?   Was ever there a man who benefited from the experience of Freemasonry, whose character gained traction, who lived a principled life, and are we to say, he does not represent the success of everything we represent because he was only one man?  Reflection.