Contemplation on Light and the desire for Enlightenment is a lifelong journey for the Freemason. Masonic quest for Light is inherent in the Craft. What does this allegorically mean to the Mason and his role in the greater Society? The esoteric nature of Light is as old as time immemorial. From the Sun God of the ancient Egyptians to the Sun worship in the Americas, Light has been a universal theme in Humanity's religiosity. This has been an allegory of the struggle we have with Good and Evil and the nature of Free Will. Light is universally seen as a metaphor for Good. It is also seen as the "Light of Truth". Furthermore, it has been seen as a metaphor for knowledge and understanding. Since time immemorial, humanity has looked to the Sun and the Stars in its role to understanding life and its purpose. Light has been understood to be life bringing.
Without the energy of light, there would be no life. We have looked to the Sun and Stars for millennia to see when we should plant and harvest the crops that nourish us. Our views of the Seasons on Earth are inherent in the ebbs and flows of the sun. For this reason, every religion is intertwined with the zodiac and cycles of the heavens. From the pyramids of the Mayans to the Church Calendar of the Roman Catholics; tracking the heavens has been integral in naming religious festivals and holidays.
Scientifically speaking, Light is the spectrum of electromagnetic energy that the human eye can see. Contemplating this against the philosophical understandings of Light is for no better words Enlightening. Electromagnetic energy is released from matter when it converts other forms of energy. The nuclear fusion of the stars releases the electromagnetic energy that humanity has known forever as Light. This life bringing energy that stems from Light is harnessed in biology to function and grow. It is this energy that is utilized in photosynthesis by plant life, from the smallest algae to the largest of sequoia. Furthermore, this life bringing light is converted by chlorophyll into the nourishment that sustains both Human and animal. Light is stored in plant life like a giant battery, stored until it brings nourishment to us all. There could be no life without life. It is a timeless principle of biology.
Where does this contemplation leave the Freemason? From the first Degree of Entered Apprentice, the initiate is understood to seek "Light". It is understood that all Masons seek "More light in Masonry" as we progressively pass onto the next of degrees. It is universally understood that a Freemason is seeking greater Enlightenment by being initiated into each Degree. Electromagnetic energy is seen as the conduit for greater wisdom. Freemasonry is known to the World as espousing "Faith, Hope, & Charity". The allegorical and scientific meaning of Light holds a sacred understanding to the Mason. It is this Light that brings the Brother Mason into Fraternity to each other and therefore the World. Freemasonry works to make good Men into better Men on the exact same principle. Light is not stagnant. Its usage by life is an ever-changing conversion of energy. We do not truly understand the meaning of Life; therefore, we seek. We believe that the immortal soul of Humanity, of Conscience, makes us special in the Universe. We do not fully understand, but we accept the universal principle that all life is driven to grow. With this, all Masons hold Faith in a Supreme Being. The Great Architect of the Universe is believed via all avenues of religiosity and unites us in our common Brotherhood. Understanding Light brings the Freemason to accept the necessity of Faith; in that which has given us Life though it is invisible to us. Just as electromagnetic energy is not directly seen, Light illuminates us all. The Universe and therefore Humanity as it reflects upon us.
Our Faith brings us Hope for growth. The Brother seeks to grow into a better Man through Light and understanding. Hope through the allegorical teachings of Freemasonry for growth in wisdom and knowledge. The Mason understands that as he has Hope in the eternal nature of Life through Faith, so should he build up his fellow Brother and all of Mankind. The Mason hopes that his life is not in vain and continually seeks to bring life and goodness to the World.
This understanding of Faith and Hope leads the Brother Mason into the Fraternal nature of Charity. Through his free-will and Enlightenment, the Mason does not simply internalize his knowledge. He realizes that this knowledge becomes Wisdom as he builds himself up to be stronger for the greater good of Humanity. Freemasonry may have secrets, but it does not close off the Mason from the greater Society in which he lives. On the contrary, the Freemason recognizes that he is to be a Beacon of Light to his Family, Nation, & Brotherhood. The role of Charity in Society is multifaceted and comprehensive. It can mean many things to each individual Mason. It can mean being a good Family Man and Brother Mason. It can mean coming to the relief of the Widow and Orphan. It can even mean supporting a Nation through a transition of greater governance to its Citizens. We must recognize that Charity is not easy. It is sacrificing some semblance of oneself into the life bringing energy into his fellow Man. Freemasonry has been both praised and maligned throughout the ages. We have seen Freemasonry inspire both Revolution and also bring about Persecution. Regardless, the Freemason will always seek "More Light in Masonry" as has been done for time immemorial.
Bro. Matthew Kummernuss, 32º
Gresham Lodge #152 of Oregon - Portland Valley Scottish Rite