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R. Nick Remy, 32°
P.O. Box 972, Booneville, Arkansas 72927-0972
pnickr@netscape.net
Our fraternal commonality of experience and
belief makes
Masonry relevant in the world today.
 Oaths
in Freemasonry are taken on each Brother's appropriate Volume
of the Sacred Law. Sometimes not only the Bible but also the Torah
and Koran are present on a Masonic altar. This is an important
reminder that all who believe in the one, true God come from a
wide spectrum of humanity, different cultures, and diverse geographical
locations. Our common initiation through the Masonic Degrees,
coupled with our belief in God, creates a shared experience that
unites all Masons. It is this commonality of experience and belief
that makes Masonry relevant in the world today.
Commonality of experience is a natural, unifying force with people.
Though I personally have never been to war, I recognize the special
camaraderie that exists among veterans of the Armed Forces, not
just with each other but even with veteran soldiers from opposing
armies. It is obvious that participation in war is an experience
not easily forgotten. I am certainly not suggesting that we all
go to war for the sake of a common experience, but I am offering
another, less destructive, way to bond-participation in charity
and civility.
Almsgiving is very important in Islam. In fact, it is one of
its Pillars. Likewise, the Torah, in Leviticus Chapter 19, mentions,
"you shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen
grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor."
In the New Testament, Jesus is no less plain on the subject of
charity when he speaks of selling possessions and giving them
to the poor, tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, and advocates
the "Golden Rule." Any way it is considered, the subject
of charity is central in these three great faiths and forms a
common ground with many other religions. That person holding the
"will work for food" sign at the traffic light is not
a menace to society. Rather, he is an opportunity for charitable
work and a chance to be civil.
Has Freemasonry figured this out? Of course. Look at the Shriners
Hospitals and our Order's RiteCare Childhood Language Program
with 165 clinics, centers, or programs. Both are behemoth efforts!
And civility, at least among Freemasons, is legendary as exemplified
by the numerous instances in the American War for Independence
and Civil War during which Masonic regalia captured in combat
was promptly returned to the Lodges of the opposing army.
Charity represents just one more common duty and opportunity
among Masons, as it does among followers of Islam, Judaism, and
Christianity as a whole. Will charitable works solve the current
debate over a Palestinian homeland, alleviate the hostility between
Jews and Arabs, or stop terrorists from striking innocent people?
No. Has it ever? But in like manner, would the world benefit from
having more people who could unite in the shared experience of
a fraternity devoted to charity and character development, a fraternity
that transcends points of disagreement between individuals? Most
certainly.
Perhaps Mother Teresa expressed the concept best when she said
that if a person spends his time properly serving God, there is
little time for debating issues.
R. Nick Remy was raised a Master Mason
in September 1998 in Blocher Lodge No. 247, Booneville, Arkansas,
and became a Scottish Rite Mason in October 1998, receiving his
Degrees by communication in the Western Arkansas Consistory of
Ft. Smith, Arkansas. A member of Scimitar Temple and Booneville
Chapter No. 110 R.A.M., he works for his family's L.P. gas business
in Booneville, and his wife is a Registered Nurse in Ft. Smith,
Arkansas.
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