From The East March 2025

Brethren,

February has waned and March is upon us. And as the old adage goes, “it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Yet, have you ever thought about the meaning of this idiom? At first glance it appears to be fairly straightforward. However, let us take a few minutes to stop and contemplate this expression.

We can take it for its literal interpretation, that is, the short, darker and cold days of Winter gradually subsiding and giving way to the longer, lighter and warm days of Spring. The frosty mornings fade and the barren trees and shrubs slowly begin to awaken. Wildlife arises from its dormancy and the birds begin to sing their songs of courtship. One can feel the change in the air like the anticipation of lovers reuniting after a long separation.

On the other hand, we as Freemasons, should look at this aphorism from a more figurative perspective and attempt to take away a valuable lesson. For example, rather than thinking of the lion as the season of Winter, let us view it as the darkness and loneliness of ignorance; that mundane place where man merely exists. For, far too many men go through life as if with blinders on, never taking the time to ponder or put forth the effort to understand their place in the Supreme Design. They go through their daily lives without a second thought. These are men living their lives no differently than the beasts of the field.

Furthermore, instead of viewing the season of Spring as the lamb of warm days of sunshine and the rejuvenation of life, let us examine it further. Masons should see it as a metaphor for the beginning of comprehension; or rather, like the foundation of understanding. For, could not the lamb symbolize the “Light Of Masonry?” I believe it can represent that state of equilibrium we as Masons strive to build between ourselves and our Deity. In other words, let us view the lamb as the birth of a consciousness of our relationship between ourselves and our Creator. A bond which should be fostered and cultivated as one cares for a newborn lamb.

Accordingly, Freemasons have been given valuable instruments to aid us in our endeavor to pierce the veil of dark mindlessness. We have also been taught lessons, which with providence, shall enable us to become cognizant of and perceive the Supreme Design. By utilizing the tools we have been handed, we are empowered with the means to build a spiritual edifice to shelter us from the “lion” of stupidity. A place where we can nurture the “lamb” of knowledge. Let us turn from the lion and leave it behind. Let us instead, face and embrace the lamb.

Finally my brethren, as the great philosopher Hericlitus (6th Century BCE) said, “There is nothing constant in life but change!” Therefore I challenge you, don’t be stagnant in your Masonic journey. Don’t let the disease of complacency prevent you from achieving your full potential. My Brothers, use astute husbandry to foster the lamb and find a better understanding of The Supreme Intelligence which pervades all nature.

Jeffrey Reinsch,
Worshipful Master