Seán O’Néill, 32°

March seems a good time to consider the paradox of human nature. This month links the desolation of winter and the new growth of spring, and it is named after Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture, which are surely two contrasting activities. How is it that we are capable of both creativity and destruction, and seem to have both available in such abundance? Freemasonry asserts moral action can be achieved through personal effort. This view is not in conflict with concepts of spiritual salvation achieved through faith. Although there is allusion in the Master Mason's Degree to a psychological transformation, Masons are not informed or directed regarding details of their personal spiritual relationship with the Creator.

Much Masonic information is a road map of and code for correct behavior. The promise of benefit for thoughtful compliance involves a more rewarding life today. This concept is "spiritual" only in the sense that it applies to self-knowledge and personal integrity. Freemasonry helps men discover what they stand for and, by extension, what they won't stand for. Our Working Tools can be understood as a sort of shorthand, benchmark symbols of morality against which a man can evaluate his responses to the pressures and temptations of daily life. It is not easy to live up to the standards of conduct presented to us as goals by the Fraternity. Change is difficult, and life itself offers ample impetus for inertia and self-indulgence. It is truly our task to move ourselves toward perfection. The improbability of success is no reason for discouragement. We are what we strive to be.

It is worthy of note that March 21 is the vernal equinox after which each day spreads more light than darkness. Let us resolve to do the same.

Seán O’Néill   is a psychotherapist in private practice in Annandale, Virginia. He is a member of the Education Committee of the Scottish Rite Valley of Alexandria, Virginia, the District Educational Officer for Virginia Masonic District 1-A, Lodge Education Officer of Ft. Hunt Daytime Lodge No. 353, and Senior Warden of Skidmore Daylight Lodge No. 237. He is also a member of Knights Templar, Shrine, and Allied Masonic Degrees, a patron of the Eastern Star, and a senior advisor to the International Order of DeMolay.