Message From The Master:

From the East

Brethren;

Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. For those who trace our Masonic roots through the Knights Templar, this date has Masonic signification, for those who do not, it is a lessen that is reinforced by the Compasses. The knights calling themselves the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon established themselves as a military force to protect Christian pilgrims en route to the Holy Land. Over time, the Knights Templar, as they became known, evolved from the "Poor Fellow-Soldiers" into an international financial consortium deeply engrained in finance at the highest levels as well as holding great amounts of wealth and property and thereby courting envy and resentment, as well as engendering ill-will from many circles. Philip IV the King of France, owed substantial amounts of money to the Templars and he also coveted the Templar's wealth and property. King Philip entered into a diabolical plan with Clement V, the Pope at Avignon, to cancel the King's debt to the Templars and take their wealth. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip had the Templars arrested on grounds of heresy as a finding of heresy would allow the seizure of the Templar's wealth. Thousands of Templars were tortured and confessions were given. Hence, paraskevidekatriaphobia was born.
We do not have to fear Friday the 13th or the accumulation of wealth; neither can we control the evil done to us by others. It is a reminder that we must circumscribe our desires and keep the within due bounds. If our desires, be they for money, power or fame become uncontrolled, we run the risk of exposing our character to derision and contempt. Furthermore, we must remember that every Mason entered the Lodge poor and every Mason has been reinvested with that which he was divested. It is how we use our wealth (and our time) that is the key. We must not only give aid and assistance to our Brethren, but as we hear every month in the Master's Closing Charge, "... these generous principles are to extend farther; every human being has a claim on your kind offices." Moderation and Charity are excellent lessens to take from Friday, April 13, 2007. My Brothers, do good unto all, while we recommend it more especially to those who are of the household of the faithful.

Fraternally,

Jeffrey L. Goodman, Worshipful Master