Symbiosis: Reflections on The Coming Masonic Experience

Comparing us to those perfect specimens from a time gone bye is so unfair.  We can't possibly achieve their charm and majesty.  Unlike the Antients, we don't have hindsight at hand.  Our time is relative, just as it was in their day, passed  experimenting about life and hoping to make a useful contribution.  Greatness? It isn't an artifact of ambition or design. It is the stuff of genius.  Isn't it awkward when generations of freemasons were raised believing stewardship of the Craft meant progress had to freeze. How did we convince ourselves change was heretical? Was it fear of revealing inadequacy? 

The future of freemasonry will reflect, like a mirror looking back in time, that we need to embrace diversity. It will show us that diversity and the changes required to adapt, will make us a stronger, enduring, satisfying experience if we get ahead of it.  Thankfully, past generations have made modest progress conveying simple aspects-  goodness, honour and purpose doing so with the understated, audacious attitude of the Canadian culture.   Pierre Burton and Fawley Mowat made us understand the landscapes of this huge land bordered by three oceans, affect the mind and soul of all the come here.  In the years that come, we will gradually overcome ethnocentrism and trust the effect of this country. It has already begun. Masonically, we will  lead in the celebration of diverse languages, religions and enthusiastically reach out to thoughtful men.   We will welcome them as a brother. If you have personally experienced risk you know risk changes perspective.  Petty piques becomes ludicrous and embarrassing.  New migrating brethren will help us redefine what is and what is not important, as we show them purpose and dignity reminding us all of something vital to a mason.