Brother seeker of enlightenment,
We have just completed a study of the Twenty-seventh degree and will move on to the Twenty-eighth Degree in the Council of Kadosh at our next session which will be held on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. The session on Zoom went very well, so we will continue to use Zoom for the rest of the year and complete all the degrees in this manner. If you are new and wish to join in please contact Ill. Keith and give him your e-mail address so you will get an invitation.
We are now starting on the last theme of the Scottish Rite, I.e. the Chivalric degrees. Even if you have not attended before each session is a separate degree so there is no need to feel that you have to have prior experience to enjoy the class. As before the resource material for this and all subsequent degrees is as listed below. It is suggested you study the 28th degree beforehand at home.
- Morals and Dogma by Albert Pike, 33°
- A Bridge to Light by Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C.
- Clausen’s Commentaries on Morals and Dogma by Henry C. Clausen, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Commander
- Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide by Arturo de Hoyas, 33°, G.C.
Important Symbols:
- Colors white, red (scarlet) and black
- Crown (garland) of laurel
- Teutonic cross
- Sword of a Knight, drawn and extended to a central point
- Circles and globes
Lessons:
- Be devoted to truth, honor, loyalty, justice and humanity.
- Masonry is practical and requires its members to be actively involved in life.
- Virtue and duty have been the same in all times.
- Do what is right because it is right.
Topics for Discussion:
- How can chivalry express itself in meaningful ways in the 21 st century?
- Masonry teaches we should always speak the truth. But what if the truth is injurious to others? Do we have the right to decide what is best for others?
- What kinds of human enemies are Masons fighting today and in what kinds of warfare might we be engaged?
- What strategy is available to us to overcome the error of pre-judging and condemning a fellow being?
- What are your thoughts about situational ethics? Is it right to lie or to kill to prevent harm to yourself or others?
- Why is it more noble to err and make amends than never to err in the first place?
- Does it make a difference if you are protecting yourself or protecting others? How do you know your actions are properly motivated?
- The sword of a Knight is a two-edged sword. How are we taught to apply each edge?
Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,
Ill. Harry Eisenberg, 33°
Valley of Orlando eNews 