With travels, and us working through the month of February, my mind begins to reflect on
the bonds that we build together. Researching Wikipedia, I see that Valentine’s Day is
also known as the “Feast of Saint Valentine”. I find this interesting as I consider other
feasts that we recognize and celebrate as Masons. Many have recently participated in
local Remembrance and Renewal dinners with their Scottish Rite Valleys. Put together, I
am reminded of the importance to tell those around us what they mean to us while there is
still time.
Tomorrow is not promised, and this is one of life’s great tragedies (especially if thought is
constrained to the here and now). I hope you will make good use of your time and build
strong and meaningful relationships because together we accomplish far more than we
can do alone. I have not always been the best at understanding this, but I have been
blessed with great teachers that I continue to learn from.
The lore and the legends that surround Saint Valentine tell the story of a man imprisoned
for tending to persecuted Christians. One such legend shares Saint Valentine restored
the sight of a young blind woman – a daughter of one of his jailers. It would be easy to
hold a grudge in these less than optimal conditions. The legend continues to share a
farewell letter he wrote to the young lady before his execution to which he closed with,
“Your Valentine”. Interestingly, there is additional information in the Wikipedia article
referring to Saint Valentine as being the patron saint of good health, beekeepers and of
pilgrims.
Valentine’s Day later became a symbol of expressing love and appreciation for those that
are around us. The more cynical among us, may claim that Valentine’s Day is a creation
to sell greeting cards and candy. … But I’d like you to think about something else.
Speaking personally, delivering flowers is one of my favorite Valentine’s pastimes – and
watching the smiles that naturally surface on recipients’ faces. Delivering flowers with my
local OES chapter is one of my favorite yearly activities and something I share with my
wife.
From many sources, the importance of love in our current condition is explained. I
stumbled across a good article from West Wales Freemasons that further explores the
meaning of Valentine’s Day, and reflects on the meaning of the world love and its potential
overuse in modern vernacular. In the article, there are some good reflections on Brotherly
Love. The thoughts can be summed up nicely in the words of our own Minnesota Manual,
“By the exercise of BROTHERLY LOVE, we are taught to regard the whole human species
as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor; who, as created by one Almighty
Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other. “
While visiting Wayzata Lodge, I heard about their lantern. I can envision how it used to
shine in front of the lake. It makes my heart full to think about the work that symbolized.
Traveling through life is a difficult thing. Our institution is an outpost of faith, hope and
charity. A key function of family is to love enough to help its members through the difficult
times. Our relationship with our fellow human beings is a responsibility and a privilege that
should not be overlooked or taken lightly.
In closing, with a virtual hug and sweetheart candy reading, “Brotherly Love”, I hope your
day is treating you well and that you had a very happy Valentines Day. I hope you will take
a time-out from the hustle and bustle of the daily emergencies and spend quality time with those around you. It goes without saying that if you ever need an ear, I am here with two
to offer.