The Lesser Lights
The Lesser Lights
Brethren,
Brethren,
As our eyes are drawn toward the Altar, we notice three lights surrounding it.
As our eyes are drawn toward the Altar, we notice three lights surrounding it.
They are known as the Lesser Lights.
They are known as the Lesser Lights.
Our ritual tells us they represent the Sun, the Moon, and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
Our ritual tells us they represent the Sun, the Moon, and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
At first glance, that may seem like an unusual combination.
At first glance, that may seem like an unusual combination.
One belongs to the heavens.
One belongs to the heavens.
One rules the night.
One rules the night.
One is simply a man.
One is simply a man.
Yet together they teach one of the most beautiful lessons in all of Masonry.
Yet together they teach one of the most beautiful lessons in all of Masonry.
Consider the Sun.
Consider the Sun.
It faithfully rises each morning, bringing warmth, light, and life to the world. It asks for no recognition, nor does it choose upon whom it will shine. It simply fulfills the purpose for which it was created.
It faithfully rises each morning, bringing warmth, light, and life to the world. It asks for no recognition, nor does it choose upon whom it will shine. It simply fulfills the purpose for which it was created.
The Moon possesses no light of its own.
The Moon possesses no light of its own.
Everything it gives is a reflection of the light it has received.
Everything it gives is a reflection of the light it has received.
Without the Sun, the Moon would shine no more brightly than an ordinary stone.
Without the Sun, the Moon would shine no more brightly than an ordinary stone.
Then there is the Worshipful Master.
Then there is the Worshipful Master.
Like the Moon, he is not the source of Masonic Light.
Like the Moon, he is not the source of Masonic Light.
His duty is to reflect the Light he has received from the Altar, from the Great Lights of Freemasonry, and ultimately from the Great Architect of the Universe.
His duty is to reflect the Light he has received from the Altar, from the Great Lights of Freemasonry, and ultimately from the Great Architect of the Universe.
When he governs with wisdom, justice, humility, and Brotherly Love, he reflects that Light to every Brother present.
When he governs with wisdom, justice, humility, and Brotherly Love, he reflects that Light to every Brother present.
Perhaps that is why these are called the Lesser Lights.
Perhaps that is why these are called the Lesser Lights.
Not because they are unimportant.
Not because they are unimportant.
But because they continually point us toward a Light greater than themselves.
But because they continually point us toward a Light greater than themselves.
There is another lesson hidden here.
There is another lesson hidden here.
The Sun shines by day.
The Sun shines by day.
The Moon shines by night.
The Moon shines by night.
Together they remind us that Light is available in every season of life.
Together they remind us that Light is available in every season of life.
There are days when our path seems clear and our faith is strong.
There are days when our path seems clear and our faith is strong.
There are nights when difficulties surround us and certainty seems distant.
There are nights when difficulties surround us and certainty seems distant.
Yet even in darkness, there is Light to guide us.
Yet even in darkness, there is Light to guide us.
Perhaps not as bright as the noonday sun, but enough to take the next faithful step.
Perhaps not as bright as the noonday sun, but enough to take the next faithful step.
Every Mason experiences both kinds of days.
Every Mason experiences both kinds of days.
The Wise Master understands this.
The Wise Master understands this.
He rejoices with the Brother whose life is bright with success, but he also quietly walks beside the Brother whose world has grown dark, reflecting hope when that Brother struggles to see it for himself.
He rejoices with the Brother whose life is bright with success, but he also quietly walks beside the Brother whose world has grown dark, reflecting hope when that Brother struggles to see it for himself.
Is that not one of the highest callings of Freemasonry?
Is that not one of the highest callings of Freemasonry?
To become reflectors of Light.
To become reflectors of Light.
Most of us will never lead a Lodge.
Most of us will never lead a Lodge.
Few of us will wear the Master’s hat or hold the Master’s gavel.
Few of us will wear the Master’s hat or hold the Master’s gavel.
But every one of us can reflect kindness.
But every one of us can reflect kindness.
Every one of us can reflect truth.
Every one of us can reflect truth.
Every one of us can reflect hope.
Every one of us can reflect hope.
The Moon never apologizes because it is not the Sun.
The Moon never apologizes because it is not the Sun.
It simply reflects the light it has been given.
It simply reflects the light it has been given.
Perhaps that is the lesson the Lesser Lights quietly teach us.
Perhaps that is the lesson the Lesser Lights quietly teach us.
We do not have to be the source of Light to make a difference.
We do not have to be the source of Light to make a difference.
We need only faithfully reflect the Light that has first been given to us.
We need only faithfully reflect the Light that has first been given to us.
Thank you, my Brethren.
Thank you, my Brethren.
Tony Fain P.M.
Tony Fain P.M.
Springville Lodge #153
Springville Lodge #153
Powder Springs, Ga.
Powder Springs, Ga.