The Guiding Light April 2016 | Page 7

The East Gate

I was recently thinking of my past and wondering how I got here. I reflected on obstacles I have faced and overcome, and I am presently making a great effort to overcome some of those obstacles. One thing that has helped is that I try to keep a good head on my shoulders, and not focus on the obstacle but rather the goal. I saw an article, “The Northern Light,” by Sovereign Grand Commander Francis G. Paul, written in 1988, and have pointed out some highlights below as food for thought.

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see, someone wrote, when you take your eyes off your goals. One of the best, most efficient ways to stay where you are, or even go backward, is to focus on the obstacles. They are the distractions that keep us from becoming the best we can - both personally and as a fraternity.

When you and I take a risk, we test ourselves. When we decide to solve a problem, we face the possibility of failure. When we step out to break new ground, we know the voices of the critics will be raised. Safety is certain, at least for a while, if we do nothing.

Yet, Masonry teaches us to be dissatisfied - discontent - with the status quo. Freemasonry challenges us to reach for the ideals of justice, brotherly love, and improvement - individually and as a fraternity. Unadmitted, residual racial bias hurts us, sapping our strength, and depriving us of men with strong leadership ability. Although long overdue, the Supreme Council has elected the first black member to receive the 33rd degree. In today’s society, we can no longer stone-wall this vital issue if we really intend to practice what we preach - brotherly love - in this wonderful nation of people with many and diverse origins.

If we are to grow, and if we are to meet the challenges of today, and those of the 21st century, we must have a national approach for Freemasonry. It is becoming increasingly apparent that thinking candidates are having trouble giving honest assent to the current penalties contained in the obligations. Oaths required deal with ancient penalties which are obsolete, unbelievable, unacceptable and simply not relevant in today’s society. Oaths taken anywhere on a Bible are not symbolic. Our credibility as a fraternity suffers when we attempt to explain away our ancient Masonic penalties. For men whose eyes are on the goals, there are no obstacles, just opportunities to lead the way.”

We may never achieve perfection, but we can find more perfect ways for justice, brotherly love, and improvement to prevail in Freemasonry - and the world. When you think about it, the only frightful obstacle is our unwillingness to act on our Masonic ideals.”

Sal Pacheco, Worshipful Master

The Guiding Light / March. 2016 7