The holiday season has passed and the days are beginning to grow longer. Shorter days and long dark nights have always weighed heavily on the human race. And as the days began to lengthen and our early ancestors realized the world was not coming to an end, they celebrated.
Those celebrations evolved over time into Yule, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, to name a few. It is no strange coincidence that during a period of darkness we celebrate, and that those celebrations all have strong elements of light to them.
As a Freemason, darkness weighs heavily upon me. Not the darkness of short days or snowstorms, but the darkness of ignorance, selfishness, prejudice and hatred. That is why I and my brother Masons seek light again, not the light of long days and sunshine, but the light of knowledge through education, the light of civility, the light of charity and the light of your faith, however you believe.
When we have learned to accept the fact that we are all children of the same father and that the golden rule is central to every religion of the world, then we may learn that others of different religions (or no religion), of different races or nationalities or gender, are worthy of our respect and love.
And when we have learned and put into practice the 110 rules of civility that brother George Washington put down on paper more than 250 years ago, then the light of Freemasonry is no longer an external light that shines upon us, but is instead an internal light that shines from us.
This is the time of year when we need to get off social media and stop spreading hate, dissension, incivility and prejudice. Instead, feed the poor; cloth the needy; pass the hat for the less fortunate; visit the sick and shut-ins; call on old friends; spend time with family; repair old divisions in your personal life.
Celebrate the faith of your own acceptance but remember to respect other faiths.
There is a saying that the Shriners have: No man stands as tall as one who stoops to help a child.
Aside from my wife and family, the greatest gift ever given me was in the low light of three burning candles: my membership in the greatest fraternal organization the world has ever known, the brotherhood of Freemasonry. Without that light, I would never have known or be associated with so many fine men the world over, while through my membership in other Masonic Orders, such as the Order of the Amaranth, I have also come to know so many outstanding men and women throughout the world.
They have become my friends, mentors, examples and extended family in whom I put my complete trust and faith.
So when I said Merry Christmas to anyone during the holiday season, I was not espousing any religion, but rather my wish for you was a season filled with the basic tenets of Freemasonry, friendship and brotherly love. And may the profound blessings of your chosen deity be showered upon you and your family.
With acknowledgement to the Reverend Brother David Ritchie of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, peace and joy to all.
(Bruce E. Kenney lives in Olean.)
Read more from the original source:
RTW: Peace and joy to all in our communities - Olean Times Herald
- Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating & Cooling [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Golden ratio - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2016]
- Golden Rule: Treat People as You'd Like to Be Treated [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2017]
- Rockwell's "Golden Rule" - Norman Rockwell Museum - The Home ... [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2017]
- Golden calf - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2017]
- Live by the Golden Rule (pledge/petition/proclamation ... [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2017]
- Matriarchy - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2017]
- The Golden Rule | Our Daily Bread - odb.org [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2017]
- Golden LivingCenter Golden Rule [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2017]
- Opinion: No room for walls in Gospel's Golden Rule - The Catholic Register [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Let the Golden Rule be our response locally and globally - Berkeley Independent [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Rev. Jeff Bobin: The Golden Rule - GoErie.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- No Gods, No Masters: Live the Golden Rule - Dissident Voice [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Good neighbors and the Golden Rule - WiscNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Shock on The Voice UK as coaches break a golden rule of the show and meet rejected Blind Audition singer Ciara Harvie - Radio Times [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Health Insurance to Meet Your Needs & Budget | UnitedHealthOne [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Trenton man reminded of Golden Rule in wake of Quebec attack - Northumberland News [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Following the golden rule in times of tumult - College Heights Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Business - Times-Citizen Communications [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- A Fool's Golden Rule - Word and Way - Word and Way [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- h3cz: The Golden Rule of Twitter - Dexerto [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- LETTER: Living by 'Golden Rule' would defeat ISIS - Daily Record - Daily Record [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Motivating Your Team: Why The Golden Rule Doesn't Always Apply - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Would golden rule survive if we were under siege? - Port Huron Times Herald [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Apply the Golden Rule to lift results - Business Management Daily [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- 57th District It's the Golden rule: J. Central moves into 7th straight finals - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Social Selling: Solve Your Customer's Problem - Business 2 Community [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- From mushroom picker to deputy sheriff: Herc Avello relishes golden rule - Daily Local News [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- United Way to present Golden Rule-Lightkeepers, Fabric of our Community Awards - Jacksonville Daily News [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Ron Forthofer: To live by the Golden Rule, we must recognize the 'others' - Longmont Times-Call [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Measuring life by the Golden Rule ... not a cellphone app - Bristol Herald Courier (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Apply the Golden Rule to immigrants - Statesman Journal [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Five golden rules to always be in profit when you invest in equities - Economic Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Email and The Golden Rule - Memphis Daily News - Memphis Daily News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Is the Golden Rule Still Alive and Well in America? - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Engineering's Golden Rule - Sourceable [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Golden Rule of Chaplaincy: Thy Shoes Matter - Boston.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Career Corner: The Golden Rule - Journal Record (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Much to be gained from Golden Rule - Jackson Clarion Ledger [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- OPINION: If only our institutions practiced the Golden Rule - Opinion ... - Nantucket Island Inquirer [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Biffy Clyro swap The Golden Rule for the Golden Can as they receive Tennent's Lager award - Glasgow Evening Times [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2017]
- In the Neighborhood: A Meditation on the Golden Rule, Cheaters, and Prophets - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Ferrari's Golden Rule: No Pink Cars - The Drive [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Letter: Remember the Golden Rule - Asheville Citizen-Times [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Remember the Golden Rules During ATV Safety Week - Legal Examiner [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2017]
- The ATRA Golden Rule Warranty Program [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- Historic Golden Rule Peace Boat on its way to Noyo Harbor! - Ft. Bragg Advocate-News [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule is universal - Montrose Daily Press [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2017]
- Lawmakers should practice the Golden Rule - Times Daily [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- Golden rule - Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- Argentina's national football team reaches out to The Golden Rule ... - Coconuts [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- What Is the Golden Rule? - East Texas Review [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- The Not So Golden Rule - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- Let's give the 'Golden Rule' a try; it can't hurt - Montana Standard [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Online Dating - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Golden rule: Warriors beat Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5, clinch championship - Arkansas Online [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Apple's Stock Will Treat You Just Fine If You Remember This One Golden Rule, Jim Cramer Reveals - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Anti-nuclear peace boat moors in Bodega Bay - Sonoma West [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- At this water park, inclusion is the golden rule - Mother Nature Network [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Kiwanis Club honors students for following the Golden Rule | Local ... - Chippewa Herald [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Bishop: A Golden Answer to Every Problem - Florida Today [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2017]
- Golden Rule Charter School [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2017]
- The Three Golden Rules of Tax - MinuteHack (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2017]
- Heimerman: Officer reminds us of the golden rule | Daily Chronicle - DeKalb Daily Chronicle [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2017]
- REV. TONY ELDER: Be a person of integrity in dealing with others - Rockdale Newton Citizen (press release) (registration) [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Kids Learning Golden Rule Applies to Treatment of Animals ... - Noozhawk [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Online Dating Photos - The Good Men Project (blog) [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule Manila Bulletin News - Manila Bulletin [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2017]
- A golden rule from Golden, CO: Please stop driving so loudly - 9NEWS.com [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2017]
- Following the Golden Rule will help keep everyone safe while out enjoying the lakes this summer - Stanly News & Press [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2017]
- Profiting from the Golden Rule - Valdosta Daily Times [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Sheriff's Tips: The Golden Rule - American Rifleman (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- OPINION: The 'Golden Rule' in the face of a negative climate - Petoskey News-Review [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- Golden Rule boat sails to Sacramento promoting nuclear ban | The ... - Sacramento Bee [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- Promoting civility and practicing the Golden Rule every day - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- Golden Age Design Pops up at the Golden Rule in Excelsior - Midwest Home Magazine (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- Is the Golden Rule Still Golden? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Following the Golden Rule - Register Pajaronian [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Religion column: Follow the 'Golden Rule' - Daily Press [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Golden Rule Peace Boat moors in Monterey on voyage against nuclear weapons - Monterey County Herald [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]