Oct 2004

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MESSAGE FOR OCTOBER ‘04

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

As Freemasons, we are made aware from the very moment we are initiated into the Order that Charity is the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart. Charity is not just the giving of money – it is an attitude, a spirit that should constantly motivate us. Charity is also, more importantly the sharing and giving of TIME, not just the flash of a cheque book or wallet but being available to share moments of distress with another. Misery may love company but rarely gets it!

In the past, Charity and charitable activities appeared generally to be the preserve or the concern of those at the end of their working lives when they turned from work-a-day concerns to more contemplative pursuits and charitable actions. This was perhaps due to affluence gathered over the passage of career years, and thereby the acquisition of the wherewithal to practise philanthropy. However with the new Knowledge Economies becoming more prevalent, affluence appears to arrive earlier in careers, resulting in philanthropic potential also being available to relatively younger people.

Equally the ageing population grows larger in numbers, and increases the avenues for practicing philanthropy, particularly in the care of the old and ageing, more especially in countries such as ours. Sadly, while the philanthropic potential in terms of money is growing, the potential particularly for the giving of comfort and the overall sharing of TIME is reducing at an alarming rate.

In these developments lie the challenge for all of us, especially Freemasons, obligated as we are in a Brotherhood which is based on Relief, apart from the pursuit of Truth. Charity, therefore, in its broadest sense, both in the acts of giving Time and Money should be, as always, the guiding spirit of our lives. In spotting talent for induction, we should always look out for this spirit of giving and a Charitable disposition, as later exemplified and emphasised in our rituals.

From time to time, our Masonic administration will place before you what we hope are innovative ways in which we can increase and exploit our potential for philanthropy, and we hope these will have your sincere and close attention in ensuring Charity in action and embodying the spirit of giving and reinforcing above all, the purposes of FREEMASONRY.