Dear Jaded Brother,

Your Masonic journey has been one of ups and downs. A journey paved with the checkered pattern of light and darkness. But as builders, we should use our skills to construct and not to destroy. I am writing this letter to you because I have grown concerned with the habitual negativity with which you speak of the Gentle Craft. Perhaps you have grown disillusioned by the disparity of what Freemasonry should be and what is actually practiced by today’s Masons.

I am writing to you because you may not be aware that by disparaging the Order, you may be discouraging potential candidates from knocking at the door. Because through the blistering criticism of our profession, you may be discouraging other Brothers from trying to find solutions to existing problems, thereby becoming part of the problem yourself.

Brother, you have a voice that newly initiated Brothers trust. That is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. That is a privilege of our Fellow Builders, which comes with great responsibility. I encourage you to measure your words carefully and be mindful that the attentive ear of the newly-initiated Brethren may not be entirely ready to process your opinions effectively. Remember to avoid spreading dissonance within our Craft, because you don’t want to be an instrument of disharmony.

I am trying hard to keep my passions within due bounds as I write to you, because although I have great Brotherly Love towards you, I despise Cynicism and Apathy with the same intensity. I strongly admire those who instead of using their Light to merely draw attention to problems, have the wisdom to complement that attention with potential solutions. I have even greater respect for those who in the face problems, for which their skills can provide a solution, take the initiative and lead by example. Yes, the problems we face as a fraternity are difficult and numerous, but your jaded attitude is not helping. Don’t allow yourself to become a part of the problem; Be the solution.

If you are reading these simple words and can identify with them; If you feel that perhaps it was you or someone you know who inspired these words, please don’t come to me to apologize or offer an explanation. I don’t need them. Instead, take this as my gentle counsel to you and do your best to change the pattern of behavior that has inspired these words. I don’t diminish the fact that you might’ve had some negative experiences in Masonry. I respect your personal journey through this path we have chosen, but remember that others may not share those same experiences with you. Also know that even if they did share on those experiences with you, perhaps they would not choose a cynical and apathetic attitude as a result. Please remember that your words could have a profound impact on the impressionable minds of those newly raised Brothers that look up to you. Don’t squander that responsibility by giving way to the poisonous attitude that plagues others. Instead, exercise the virtue of fortitude and prudence, when remaining silent is the best course of action. After all, we shine our brightest when we use our life experiences to light the path of those who are just beginning their journey. Let’s live up to the expectations of a Builder by choosing to build others up instead of being instruments of destruction.

With Brotherly Love and Affection,