One's Back

Within the many lessons of Masonry are found references to one's back or behind one's back. They range from lending a helping hand to attacking one's character and each charge carries serious responsibilities that a Mason must understand and apply in order to fulfill his obligations, especially to his Brothers.

Each person will face times when challenges are great and there appears little hope. Faced with such challenges, one may give up totally, throw themselves upon mercy of others, appeal to the Great Architect, or simply hope for best. The Freemason is blessed with realization that his appeal to the Great Architect has been answered through the knowledge that his Brothers stand ready to aid him at all times. There is a hand ready to touch his back and give him both aid and comfort, regardless of circumstance. Both he and his family have become a part of fraternal support and assistance.

While there are many more agencies for assistance in these times, the Fraternity practices charity, and the adage that "charity begins at home" applies particularly to the Craft. Brotherly love and affection should result in understanding and willingness to assist our Brothers in need. But this does mean just financial need, for frequently good counsel, a friendly hand, and a trusting ear are more important to a needy Brother. Sickness and distress are not idle words to those in need.

Another aspect of one's back can be seen in the expression "behind one's back", for one can not see there and is most vulnerable. So often words spoken behind one's back are not seen as being unsupportive of a Brother's character, but they are. Just as the hand to the back lifts the Brother up, the words behind lower him. What is worse, these words lower the speaker's character and honor. That is why Masons so value integrity and the aspiration to improve one's self.

In an age where people exploit weaknesses and seldom offer praise for doing the right thing and choosing good, the Mason of character, honesty, and charity stands out from those about him. Each act of generosity, assistance to a Brother, willingness to give of time and energy, and do what is good is what the Fraternity is about. When a Brother leaves the Lodge, he should do so with a sense of pride in his Lodge, his Brothers, and the history of the Craft. He should leave with a commitment to add to that history and be a better man and Mason.