To Hear

Within the Fellow Craft degree we find the importance of the five human senses, namely Hearing, Seeing, Feeling, Smelling, and Tasting, and are instructed that the first three, Hearing, Seeing, and Feeling, are to be revered by Masons for their deeper meaning and import. A short explanation of each sense and its role in assisting the Freemason to achieve happiness and interact with his Brethren is given in the Monitor of the Lodge. While easily taken for granted, each sense is recognized as a gift of the Great Architect to Man and means to enlightenment, social interaction, and Light.

Hearing is listed first for several reasons. As the sense through which we receive instruction it is most important to the new Mason. Recognizing darkness as ignorance, the voice the initiate hears carries knowledge of the Craft, Light, and a path toward safety. Surrounded by darkness, hearing is his primary sense and while he may grope for physical contact, the ear is the first to perceive the words of direction. The ear is the avenue to the mind and with the other senses subdued, the sound of a word has its greatest impact and depth upon the initiate. To hear and to listen are paramount to the learning process.

Likewise, the Freemason must hear words of warning and of danger. This lesson is a twofold one, for not only must one hear an admonition, one must be responsible for giving a Brother advice and good counsel. As a Master Mason, the charge to guard and correct are clearly stated and expected. To whisper good counsel, as well as to admonish, is needed to preserve the reputation of the Master and the Craft. A gentle reminder of our obligations may avoid misunderstanding or transgression of our laws, while a kind word may inspire better conduct and service. Too often we forget that the ears of a Brother may hear all that we say. Kindness and forbearance are to be our watchwords as Brothers. The duty is to improve, not to tear away, so listen well to your words.

Finally, there is the hearing of a call from a Brother. The hail of a Brother, when in distress or danger, always is a possibility and will measure the Freemason's ability to respond. To hear and to heed are the marks of the True Brother. So it is that each Mason would be limited in his ability and duty if he were unable to hear the words of the Craft, the sound of his Brothers, and words of the Great Architect. Reflect, and listen well.