It was exciting to observe our Junior Warden Frank Parker perform as the Worshipful Master for the Entered Apprentice Degree, with his usual aplomb, and our recently raised Brother Patrick Bahnken who executed the Q&A's to near perfection. To these and all members of the team who have not been mentioned personally our deepest and sincerest thanks. This is just one aspect of what Freemasonry is all about.

In order to receive - we must give. Although sounding paradoxical, many differing cultures recognize this trait. Take for example, the words of LAO TZU in his classic work entitled, INTEGRITY:

"The sage does not hoard.

The more he does for others,

the more he has for himself.

The more he gives to others,

the more his own bounty increases."

"The quality of the heart is in its depths."

In this case, perhaps we should become like a bellows for Freemasonry since the more we are used, the brighter the flame, the more intense the Light. But, really, how should we expect to be paid for all our work? After all, our rituals mention the wages of others but are deafeningly silent about the wages of a Master Mason. Of this, we were never instructed. As each Master Mason must find his own interpretation for the use of our symbols, each of us must find for himself his own wages. If we are keenly aware we soon notice that one Brother is not paid the same as another. One Brother may be paid in the smile of a young child that he has just transported to The Shiner's Hospital. One Brother may be paid by his travels and the sharing of Masonic Light. Still others will be paid by their performance of the ritual and the accolades of their Brothers. Others will be paid by attending to the family of a fallen Brother to whom the GAOTU has called home and helped them to tend to their grief. Some will be paid when they help a candidate or a Brother in preparing for a Degree. Yet others will be paid by coaching their Brethren on the proper performance of ritual work.

So, as can be seen, wages are paid in non-material worth or possession, but rather in those things that the Brother may keep well within the repository of his faithful breast. While the wages of a Master Mason have no intrinsic value, its wealth is measured only by the value placed on it by the one who has received it. May you and yours be blessed as much as you are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick
drjonapatrick@comcast.net

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