Where to Draw the Line
Spring is here! How better to celebrate than with our Table Lodge? Well, and perhaps a few harmless pranks in the meantime. Actually, how does one define harmless?
Before I petitioned to become a Mason, one of my sponsors explained his thoughts on a distinguishing trait of a Freemason: that our commitment to truth means we don’t lead people on in our dealings. For me, the tenet of brotherly love directs me to promote harmony and comfort for all humankind; relief, to provide aid to those unable to stand for themselves; and truth, to be direct and forthright in all affairs. This appears to present a dilemma once April 1 rolls around.
Suppose that the subject of a practical joke becomes upset. If we perpetrated the joke in the first place, we failed to apply brotherly love (or at the very least, due diligence). If instead we are simply innocent bystanders, we cannot provide relief unless we defend the subject and provide a shoulder to lean on right then and there. Finally, if we know of a joke in the making, where do we draw the line when someone asks us to “just play along”?
Freemasonry also informs us that we are but imperfect ashlars ever in pursuit of self-chiseling. Taking the commitment to truth literally and always assuming the worst possible response would stifle many possible surprises—birthday parties, gifts, and even proposals—and discourage acting, novel-writing, and the practice of stage magic. On the rare occasions I have to eat something that doesn’t taste good, I’d have to be brutally honest to people who might not like a brutally honest critique.
As humans we each draw a line somewhere. Where it is depends on the human! We have our own unique ways to balance tact with candor and risk with payoff. Use context and your own good judgment to keep everyone happy. Don’t be afraid to stand up for an upset friend or colleague. Remember the laws of physics before engaging in anything dangerous.
April 10 at the Table Lodge, then, rest easy as magician Rob Zabrecky woos the crowd with his sleight-of-hand. Even if it doesn’t bend the laws of physics, why not have a good time?
April is coming—and that’s no joke!
–Andrew Merenbach