All rebellion has cause(s), right, wrong, justifiable, etc.. In that rebellion there are leaders who inspire others who felt the same way. Within that dynamics, a large group who is either afraid, indifferent or blind to the issue, just stand by the fence and watch where the winds blows---fence sitters. That description can be applied to any rebellion/revolution. The political upheavals we are witnessing is an obvious manifestation of lingering and dormant economic condition of the country. While the rest of the neighboring country made progress, the Philippines are very hard press to claim such achievement. Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Inept politicians or the people who select their representatives?
Freemasonry doesn't create or "lift up the condition of the country and our countrymen." The Craft is not about influencing society for "higher and noble" aspirations. Freemasonry is not about community service or Nation building. Its about building a temple hence, guiding an individual to make his choice, to follow his conscience and to do what is right---to be a moral man. What comes after is another choice.
No single person ever accomplishes that Nation building task anywhere. It requires leaders with vision and in Philippine History----individuals who happened to be Masons were the catalyst to the uprisings against Spain and United States. Brother Masons were also key players in the modern history of the country. Freemasons were on both sides of the fence and many others were neither. World History is full individuals known and unknown, who made a difference to their country and countrymen. They are not known as Masons but as people who happened to be Brothers of the Craft. Those are the people who during the course of their membership learned the lesson of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Lessons about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Let us not forget my dear Brethren that great many participants of revolutions, who equally endured hardships, lost their properties and lives were not Masons.
Freemasonry doesn't create or "lift up the condition of the country and our countrymen." The Craft is not about influencing society for "higher and noble" aspirations. Freemasonry is not about community service or Nation building. Its about building a temple hence, guiding an individual to make his choice, to follow his conscience and to do what is right---to be a moral man. What comes after is another choice.
No single person ever accomplishes that Nation building task anywhere. It requires leaders with vision and in Philippine History----individuals who happened to be Masons were the catalyst to the uprisings against Spain and United States. Brother Masons were also key players in the modern history of the country. Freemasons were on both sides of the fence and many others were neither. World History is full individuals known and unknown, who made a difference to their country and countrymen. They are not known as Masons but as people who happened to be Brothers of the Craft. Those are the people who during the course of their membership learned the lesson of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Lessons about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Let us not forget my dear Brethren that great many participants of revolutions, who equally endured hardships, lost their properties and lives were not Masons.
rmolano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
