TASKS ACCEPTED: MASONIC MERIT

Your work assignment speaks to your character. Moreso as a Freemason we are equipped with the task of applying reason to our lives.  Such is the effect of the long awaited acceleration that challenged religious dogma.  Freemasonry pick up the challenge for minds unprepared to accept rounded off stories, meaning came from reasoning.  We can be forgiven for thinking being a mason is a passive endeavour. Especially if the challenge of intent has been removed, you will know merit and competence once replaced by rank had clouded the waters.  If you are one of those observant types, I have an idea you mind like.  Proceed in private. Realize the distractions for what they are- temporary conventions, and focus on the goal- knowing yourself, understanding the world around us.  Our ability to pick up the tools of learning are only hampered by hesitance to take that second step. Do you know and understand the principles taught in the First Degree?  How have you applied them in your life? What proof have you?  What if your 'proof' is superficial? Then that is you.  What if the tasks are difficult?  If they weren't difficult, they would not be worth the time and investment in your skills.  We are shielded in a way from the profane world, until the profane world is allowed to leak into the sacredness of a lodge.  Taking too much for granted is as unwise as visiting distemper on all within earshot. Where is the purpose you require? Surely not in the pleasure of being called a mason? If you have pulled yourself up by your bootstraps you will know doing that brings out detractors. Know your place- don't be uppity.  You've heard it all before. Educational and professional credentials being mocked- usually by the same type of person- compensating and self-conscious.  Education gives us a vocabulary to explain why it is uncomfortable to some, a promise to others.