"O brave new world, that has such people in't!" This line from Shakespeare's The Tempest seems particularly appropriate as we enter the third century of the Scottish Rite where it is more important than ever that Freemasonry be at the forefront of human rights and dignity. Since the founding of the Craft, Masons have been champions of public education, social justice, thoughtful patriotism, and religious toleration. Our Degrees point to historic examples of integrity, bravery, and self-sacrifice, and we encourage our members to model their lives and actions after these heroic exemplars.

But what are we called to do in 2002 and beyond? Are we still relevant in this brave new world and able to transform it? Is Scottish Rite toleration a viable principle in a world where centuries-old battles are still fought between zealots of different factions and where children take up guns because they are taught to do so for all the wrong reasons? Are integrity and the other values our Order teaches still pertinent to humankind? The answer to these questions depends upon the world you wish to inhabit and the world you want to leave for your children and grandchildren.

One of the great lessons of the Rite is this: we do not inherit the world, we create it. We shape our fate-and the world-by the choices we make, the actions we take, and the way we decide to live our lives.

Much has been written, deservedly, about those who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to help and rescue others when the Pentagon and the World Trade Centers were attacked. Those men and women, like the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, were heroes, although surely most of them would have disclaimed the title.

But there are other heroes as well, men and women who in their everyday lives decide to build their personal world with integrity and tolerance. Among them are:

The mother who reproves her child when the latter repeats some racial or religious slur heard among his or her playmates.

The father who explains the "Pledge of Allegiance" to his children, helping them to understand that our nation's flag is inclusive, not exclusive, and that the flag protects everyone.

The Brother who talks to his best friend about the Scottish Rite and signs his petition because he wants his friend to share in the moral and intellectual wealth of our Fraternity.

The Scottish Rite Mason who supports the RiteCare Program of 154 childhood language centers in the Southern Jurisdiction so that children can learn to talk, read, and grow.

All these and many more modern heroes are building the brave new world of the future. You and I are, too, and we will inhabit what we build. The Scottish Rite teaches us how to build this world of light, truth, honor, compassion, and individual liberty.

Thus, as we begin this third century of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, the answer to the question of our value as a Masonic Fraternity is: "Yes, we are relevant to this world, perhaps more relevant than ever before." We teach the great values that free men from the dark. When we, as individuals and a Fraternity, put those lessons into practice in our daily lives, we are the heroes of a brave new world for all.