Mankind throughout history has found light to be the dispeller of both internal and external darkness. Early civilizations believed that knowledge was imparted by the god of the sun through its descending rays of light. Hence light and knowledge are now, in many cases, synonymous terms.
Light is the primary symbol in Freemasonry. It is the first significant symbol that is offered to the entered apprentice and is paramount in the first ritual of every brother’s Masonic career. This initial instruction is the very essence of Speculative Masonry, which at its foundation, is the contemplation of inner light and universal truth.
Light is the essence of humanity. It is this inner light that emanates in the form of positive emotions like love, compassion, hope, gratitude and awe. It is when we are experiencing this inner light that we are closest to our creator. We kindle this internal light through benevolent labors such as charity, forgiveness, friendship and self-sacrifice to name but a few.
“What light is to the outer physical world, intellect is to the inner world of consciousness”
Arthur Schopenhauer
We learn in masonry that even though there may be no outer source of light there is always an inner source, which lay beyond the body or the five senses. Spirituality is simply our inner search for understanding and happiness, which can only be gained by searching for the inner light that is within us all.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Matthew 5:15
Once we understand that God’s divine spark is within us all and that we are a reflection of this divine consciousness, we begin to understand that the light from this enlightened individual positively affects not only himself but also all those that surround him.
When we, as masons, seek and find this inner light within us, we have the capacity like God, to bring physical light into a dark world. In fact, when we are acting most like God, is when we are sharing both physical and spiritual light with our fellow man.
The Kabbalists would call this “the will to bestow” and it is in this realm that we learn about the universe through our “6th” sense or rather, learn about those things which cannot be sensed with the five senses.
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
Plato
The power of light can be proved with a single candle. For example, Lets imagine a room that is void of light and in complete darkness. All one must do is light a candle and the darkness flees. Regardless of how much more darkness you put into the room it cannot defeat the light of a single candle. Conversely, the more light one has within a darkened room the less darkness there is. Light always concurs darkness.
Our duty as masons is to share the truth of this inner light with mankind through deeds, words and actions.
I pray that the light always shines on you, through you and in you my brothers.
Larry Roberts 32°, Portland Valley Treasurer. Member of Modesto Lodge 206, Esoterika Lodge 227 and Research Lodge #198.
