The Bond of Friendship

As we are taught, our Aprons represent “The Bond of Friendship”, therefore we learn that the supportive bonds forged between Masons serve as a microcosm - an ideal to mirror within our families, workplaces, social circles and community organisations which we are part of. But bringing such camaraderie to life in these different contexts depends on how we consciously apply the underlying Masonic principles that shape our relationships

Just as the apron symbolically represents a new Masons commitment to moral behaviour, adopting and demonstrating these values across all aspects of life marks a new beginning.

Masonic principles of equality, service, honesty and understanding were never meant to be restricted to formal lodge interactions. But their sincere application in everyday settings helps build connections that transcend surface differences in religion, status and personality across society.

Implementing high-minded philosophical ideals consistently poses challenges, given the realities like professional competition, stressed families, and conflicting social identities that strain trust and unity. It’s easier to display symbols of morality than earnestly practice tolerance, supportiveness and self-sacrifice when conflicts arise over limited resources, power and prestige.

Yet as Masons we are the ones who must persist in applying fraternal values within community and professional contexts, doing so will often gain allies and open doors previously unseen. Demonstrating humility and other masonic principles in work disputes can build surprising rapport with apparent “rivals.” Patiently sacrificing personal needs at home fosters family bonds amidst turmoil. Showing understanding for those shunned can turn social pariahs to friends. Each as an example that further cements the truth that common humanity transcends any social identity and classification.

At times, relations in work and family may be harmonious, leadership respected and friendships reconciled - signalling the lasting triumph of Masonic principles in uniting people past their differences.

But without consciously sustaining effort, familiar divisions resurface; stereotypes displace sympathy; leadership becomes entitled; friends take each other for granted. Maintaining the high ground requires continued group diligence.

If our commitment to applying our Masonic ideals slips, workplace and community cohesion spirals into politics and distrust, friends divide into rival camps, stressed families descend into dysfunction, leaders are questioned and undermined. Organizations that previously brought people together fracture into competing factions. Promising reforms pushed by idealists are abandoned halfway. Support and cooperation turn to envious rivalry.

This fragmentation stems directly from once committed members allowing egoism and complacency to erode their higher principles.

The objective and lesson is clear – divisions may heal but will also recur unless consciously held at bay through sustained application of Freemasonry’s unifying values.

Lapses invite entropy. Progress depends on individuals regularly re-dedicating themselves to elevating fairness, empathy and self-discipline over personal ambition within their spheres of influence. By persevering in the little daily acts of principle, as Masons we can help preserve our communities against deterioration. Each small effort accrues into the basis for reconciliation.

Thus our Masonic teachings serve a higher purpose than mere lodge etiquette – Masonic principles provide us with the tools for active bridge-building throughout society's nooks and crannies. But ideals only manifest through demonstration.

Persevering in their practice across life’s many aspects, builds and creates bonds durable enough to weather misfortune.