From Darkness to Light
From Darkness to Light
Brethren,
Brethren,
As I looked at this image of our altar, a simple thought came to mind.
As I looked at this image of our altar, a simple thought came to mind.
One of the first lessons impressed upon every Mason is that we are brought “from darkness to light.”
One of the first lessons impressed upon every Mason is that we are brought “from darkness to light.”
To the casual observer, those words might suggest the absence of darkness and the presence of physical light. But to a Mason, they represent something far greater.
To the casual observer, those words might suggest the absence of darkness and the presence of physical light. But to a Mason, they represent something far greater.
The darkness we leave behind is not the darkness of night. It is the darkness of ignorance, uncertainty, and a life lived without seeking truth.
The darkness we leave behind is not the darkness of night. It is the darkness of ignorance, uncertainty, and a life lived without seeking truth.
The light we receive is not merely something our eyes can see. It is the light of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and moral responsibility.
The light we receive is not merely something our eyes can see. It is the light of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and moral responsibility.
Notice the altar.
Notice the altar.
It stands at the center of the lodge. It is illuminated while the surrounding room is more subdued. That symbolism is profound.
It stands at the center of the lodge. It is illuminated while the surrounding room is more subdued. That symbolism is profound.
Many Masons have heard it said that the altar is the symbolic source of all Masonic light.
Many Masons have heard it said that the altar is the symbolic source of all Masonic light.
That simple statement deserves reflection.
That simple statement deserves reflection.
Every lesson of our fraternity begins there. Our obligations are assumed there. Our promises are made there. The Great Lights rest there.
Every lesson of our fraternity begins there. Our obligations are assumed there. Our promises are made there. The Great Lights rest there.
Before we can receive further light, we must first approach the altar with humility and a sincere desire to learn.
Before we can receive further light, we must first approach the altar with humility and a sincere desire to learn.
It is no accident that light seems to radiate from that sacred place in the center of the lodge. The altar reminds us that truth occupies the center of our Masonic lives.
It is no accident that light seems to radiate from that sacred place in the center of the lodge. The altar reminds us that truth occupies the center of our Masonic lives.
It is there that knowledge is sought, character is tested, and faith is affirmed.
It is there that knowledge is sought, character is tested, and faith is affirmed.
The altar does not create the light, it points us to its Source.
The altar does not create the light, it points us to its Source.
It is the place where the Great Lights are displayed and directs our attention beyond itself—to the principles and divine truth that Freemasonry encourages us to seek.
It is the place where the Great Lights are displayed and directs our attention beyond itself—to the principles and divine truth that Freemasonry encourages us to seek.
The light shining upon the altar is not intended to suggest that we have reached perfection. Rather, it reminds us where we should continually direct our attention.
The light shining upon the altar is not intended to suggest that we have reached perfection. Rather, it reminds us where we should continually direct our attention.
No Mason ever finishes his search for light.
No Mason ever finishes his search for light.
Each book we read, each lecture we hear, each conversation with an experienced brother, and each act of charity adds another small measure of light to our understanding.
Each book we read, each lecture we hear, each conversation with an experienced brother, and each act of charity adds another small measure of light to our understanding.
That is why our journey is lifelong.
That is why our journey is lifelong.
The man who believes he has learned everything has stopped being a student. Masonry teaches us instead to remain humble enough to continue seeking more light.
The man who believes he has learned everything has stopped being a student. Masonry teaches us instead to remain humble enough to continue seeking more light.
And that is why the altar is always before us.
And that is why the altar is always before us.
As we move outward into the world, we are expected to carry that light with us—not to keep it within the lodge room, but to let it shine through our words, our actions, and our conduct toward others.
As we move outward into the world, we are expected to carry that light with us—not to keep it within the lodge room, but to let it shine through our words, our actions, and our conduct toward others.
Every time we enter the lodge, it quietly asks the same question:
Every time we enter the lodge, it quietly asks the same question:
“Are you still seeking the light?”
“Are you still seeking the light?”
If we can answer that question with sincerity, then we are continuing the work that began on the day we first knocked at the door of Freemasonry.
If we can answer that question with sincerity, then we are continuing the work that began on the day we first knocked at the door of Freemasonry.
Thank you, Brethren.
Thank you, Brethren.
Tony Fain PM
Tony Fain PM
Springville Lodge #153 F&AM
Springville Lodge #153 F&AM
Powder Springs, Ga
Powder Springs, Ga