Behaviour towards a strange Brother
Discernment, Brotherhood, and Personal Growth
Behaviour towards a strange Brother
YOU are cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge.
But if you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in want you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved. You must employ him some days, or else recommend him to be employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your ability; only to prefer a poor Brother, that is a good man and true, before any other poor people, in the same circumstances.
In the age of rapid interactions and fleeting connections, the question begs: How do we discern the genuine from the disingenuous?
This charge provides a blueprint, not just for us Freemasons, but for any individual striving for authentic connections in today's complex world.
Imagine, if you will, attending a new social gathering. The room is filled with unfamiliar faces. As you navigate the room, you're approached by various individuals, some with genuine intentions, others with motives not so pure.
In such scenarios, how does one uphold personal integrity while forming meaningful bonds?
"YOU are cautiously to examine him..."
We're reminded of the importance of mindfulness in interactions, suggesting that not every encounter demands our complete trust from the outset."...that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant, false pretender..."
Authenticity is paramount. There's a call to be vigilant against those who might not have genuine intentions, reaffirming the value of genuine connections in our lives."...whom you are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge."
Not everyone deserves a window into our personal or communal wisdom. This guidance stresses the importance of protective boundaries.
"But if you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother..."
This recognises the value of mutual authenticity and the treasures that can be found when two genuine souls interact."...you are to respect him accordingly..."
An insight into the universality of respect — when someone proves their genuineness, honour it."...and if he is in want you must relieve him if you can..."
The essence of fraternity is mutual aid. In broader life, this could mean offering help to someone in your community, a colleague, or even a stranger when they're in need."...or else direct him how he may be relieved."
If we can't offer direct assistance, guidance or direction is the next best thing, indicating that there's more than one way to be of service to others."...But you are not charged to do beyond your ability..."
A poignant reminder about the importance of personal boundaries. Extend a hand, but not to the point of self-depletion."...only to prefer a poor Brother..."
Priority should be given to those with whom we share a bond or community, but this doesn't diminish the value of external charity."...that is a good man and true..."
Ethical considerations come into play here. It's not just about need, but about the moral fibre of the individual."...before any other poor people, in the same circumstances."
While our immediate fraternity is crucial, the broader society also matters. We should aim for a balance between serving our inner circle and the wider community.
Navigating our hypothetical social gathering, the principles extracted from the Masonic text take on a newfound relevance. Begin with mindfulness — approach every conversation with genuine intent, actively listening and engaging, allowing you a clearer sense of the authenticity of your conversational partner. Be open, share parts of yourself, but exercise judicious caution: not everyone needs an immediate insight into the depths of your experiences or beliefs.
If you encounter someone seeming slightly out of place or in need, the Masonic principles would urge you to step in, perhaps by introducing them to familiar faces or offering a comforting conversation. And in those moments when direct assistance might not be feasible, pointing them in the right direction or suggesting resources can be just as invaluable. But throughout these interactions, always be conscious of your personal boundaries. Dive into engagements, share, assist, but also be attuned to your comfort levels, ensuring you don't overextend.
In embracing these teachings, we find that while rooted in Masonic traditions, the lessons they offer are universally applicable. They guide us in a world where deep, genuine connections can sometimes feel elusive, showing us the way to meaningful, authentic interactions.