Restored to light

You were admitted through the Masonic door in a state of darkness. The door was opened after three distinct knocks were given. These allude to the ancient saying, ‘seek and ye shall find; ask, and ye shall have; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’. You had sought in your mind, asked of your friend, and the door of Freemasonry was opened to you. Remember back if you will, to the moment when you were brought blindfolded into Freemasonry to be initiated. In the lecture, three reasons are given in explanation: first, that had you refused to continue with the ceremony, you could have been led out of the Lodge without having discovered its form; secondly, to remind you to keep the rest of the world in a state of darkness in respect of our Masonic mysteries, unless they came into Freemasonry in the proper manner; and thirdly, so that our heart would conceive before our eyes could discover. I am going to ask you to go back to that moment when your eyes were opened to masonic light: [Kneeling on your left-knee in front of it, your right-hand on the Volume of the Sacred Law] recall the moment when you had just taken your Obligation as an Entered Apprentice Freemason, you were asked what the predominant wish of your heart was. Although you probably then interpreted the response of ‘light’ to refer to the ability to see your surroundings, it also alludes to the desire to understand more of the philosophy of Freemasonry, a deeper meaning in life. Your eyes immediately saw the three great lights, but there was something else, a sense of hope for something more. [Rise and move towards the First-Degree Tracing Board] However, this is represented by a ladder, hidden from our eyes, which we figuratively hope to climb. It is an aspiration, and if we reach to the top, we will find ourselves arriving in this blaze of light, known as the Blazing Star, which is emblematic of the divine presence. This is explained in the lectures, and we can see it expressed in the tracing board of the First-Degree. There we see a tableau. [Points to the Tracing Board] Jacob’s ladder, which disappears in a blaze of light, known as the Blazing Star, into the heavens themselves. So we can now see what is not visible with material light. The ladder is a promise, but one which will only be fulfilled if we put in the effort to clamber up it. We are told that there are many rungs, but three principle stages, which are Faith, Hope and Charity. If we can achieve all of these, we will have attained all, and indeed more than we set out to achieve. They are known as the distinguishing characteristics of a Freemason. The symbols used to represent these three have varied over time. Before the removal of Christian references in the ritual, they were often illustrated by a cross, an anchor and a chalice. It is now more common to represent them by three persons or angels. It is our hope that all Freemasons will ascend this ladder. On it we are shown the three main stages, described as Faith, Hope and Charity. Faith in Great Architect of the Universe; Hope in Salvation; and to be in Charity with all men. Faith is the foundation of Justice, the bond of friendship, and the chief support of civil society. Hope is the anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Charity is the brightest ornament which can adorn our Masonic profession. It is the best test and surest proof of the sincerity of our religion. Happy is the man who has sewn in his breast, the seeds of benevolence; he envies not his neighbour; he believes not the tale reported to his prejudice; he forgives the injuries of men; and endeavours to blot them from his recollection.When you were granted the blessing of light, it was about much more than material light, it is symbolised by the Lights of Freemasonry, and ultimately by the Blazing Star, on which we all hope we will be able gaze with awe and reverence.