Pride and Conscience by Sam House, Senior Warden #ccmasons
My Brothers,
A recent encounter with a stranger has led me to contemplate my association with freemasonry and my patriotism. This person was extremely proud of her national heritage, which I find acceptable to a point. It is the extent at which pride overshadows reason that I believe nationalism may become dangerous. History provides numerous examples where this is apparent. The German nationalistic fervor leading up to the Second World War is a prime example. I’ve always been proud to be an American. Despite our nation’s decline and standing in the world, I feel that the ideals to which our forefathers aspired set us apart as a nation. Statistics will show that the U.S. continues to lead the world in two categories, the number of citizens incarcerated and military defense spending. While our country has been a beacon of light and freedom throughout the world, we still have much to accomplish before we can declare ourselves “the greatest.” It is not what our country has done in the past, however, that makes me proud. It is what our country aspires to be that makes me proud to be an American. This is the same way I feel about Freemasonry. Our fraternity’s checkered past has led to the growth of an anti-Masonic political party and numerous conspiracy theories. Again, it is not what we have accomplished, but what we intend on accomplishing that makes me proud to be a Mason. I’m not saying that intentions alone should define something. When good intentions fail, I’ve heard the phrase “Hitler had good intentions”. What I mean to say is that good intentions are the precursors to good deeds and our good deeds are what allow us to die with the hope of immortal salvation. I suppose my point is this: We must never allow our pride to cloud our judgement. Let us practice humility and be ever mindful of our successes and failures, for by taking both into account, we may the better be enabled to achieve that to which we aspire.
Fraternally,
Sam House,
Senior Warden
