The Gift of Sight - Seeing

While in the dark as an Entered Apprentice, we comprehend that hearing is most valuable in hearing the word of the Great Architect and the words of a trusted friend. However, each step in the dark is taken toward gaining understanding and the light of knowledge. It is in the Fellow-Craft Degree that the second revered sense, namely sight, is discussed and explained.

Sight is the ability to see and, without sight, the Freemason would be blind to the beauties of the natural world and knowledge of the Great Architect. The abilities to closely examine the symbols of the Craft and to reflect upon the many meanings contained therein are important gifts to be cherished. The blueness of the heavens, the redness of a rose, and the yellow hues of a rising or setting sun are constant reminders of the beauties of this World and the goodness around each Freemason.

Likewise the Freemason must possess Masonic Sight in his ability to see these wonders as lessons concerning the purity of heart, the need for courage in conduct, and the constancy of action in work. Over and again, the Mason will face the darkness of ignorance and the challenges of keeping his passions and desires within due bounds. As in the Northeast corner, the choices between dark and Light always will be present and it will require courage to choose Light and to build his Spiritual Temple as it should be.

One attribute of sight is to bring things near, at least in recognizing their presence.

Sight allows us to see danger, obstacles, and enemies, while at the same time to recognize safety, the higher road, and friends. Masonry looks to the internal and attempts to bring good men together, regardless of language, politics, or religion. With Masonic Sight and Masonic Light, the True Mason sees what is profane, and what is not, and acts accordingly in practicing the arts of our Craft.

So, as we look to the East to see the Light, so should we esteem the gift of sight from the Great Architect of the Universe. As each new day brings new rays, so it brings new opportunities. Look around to learn and look within to achieve purity of heart, uprightness of conduct, and the Light of Life.