Golden Rule contest

Title

Golden Rule contest

Creator

Pajarillaga, Prospero B.

Identifier

Third prize winner

Language

English

Source

The Cabletow Volume XLIII (No. 7) July 1967

Year

1967

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

Third Prize Winner - • • Golden Rule Contest Bro. Prospero B. Pajarillaga, (170) Masonry.—Masonry, according to the Cabletow, issue of August 1963, Vol. XXXIX, No. 2, is a world-wide organization of men who, employing symbolical forms borrowed from the ancient orders of temple builders; have voluntarily banded themselves in a common endeavor to improve them selves and in so doing work for the improvement of society. By admit ting good men, irrespective of race, color or creed, Masonry endeavors to form a universal league of mankind, living in peace, harmony and brother ly affection. Webster defines the following words as: Implement — That which supplies a want, or is a requisite to an end. Promote — To advance, forward or elevate, excite or stir up, raise to a higher rank. Practice — Frequent or customary action. Golden Pule — The rule to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. In the first place, Masonry is an international organization, or in short, it is found in almost all coun tries except Communist countries where Masonry is being outlawed and never recognized. And wherever Masons are found, it can always be expected that by virtue of their obli gations and teachings, something good can always be expected from every member of the Craft to another broth er or to any one regardless of whe ther or not lie is a member of the fraternity. Every Mason believes that all men are bis brothers under the Fatherhood of one God. The desire to give assistance to those who are in distress becomes a part of his life and he docs it automatically without dictation or compulsion from some where. He finds enjoyment in rend ering service to others. "Do unto others what you would like others to do unto you" or simply “treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated” is what we call the Golden Rule. It is a basic and fundamental teaching not only in Christianity, but also in Islam or the Muslim religion and in many other religious beliefs. It is so acceptable to many kinds of people all over the world that every nationality seems to adopt it as their rule and guide in their lives and in dealing with their fellowmen. The Ten Commandments of the Great Architect of the Universe may be sum marized in just one statement as the Golden Rule. Masonry’s principal tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth, and hence, its close relationship with the Golden Rule. Our first lesson in Masonry is to be good and truthful. This is quite important and necessary among all Masons to build a stable and solid foundation in Masonry. Just like the Christian faith, Masonry must' be built and must be based on solid rock to be strong and enduring. The Bible said, “Except the Lord build thj- house, they labor in vain that built it,” fl’s. 127:1). And so, one of the first and most important ques tions asked an applicant or a candi date for the degrees as a prerequisite for admission into the Craft is "Do you believe in God?” For God is the source of all goodness, love, untold blessings, power, knowledge, light. Turn to pigo 21 JULY, 1967 9 GOLDEN RULE. . . From p.B« 9 truth, forgiveness, mercy, wisdom and all that is good and ideal. Masonry demands that a candidate must meet a certain maximum moral qualification, must have made certain provisions for himself and family so that he will not be a burden or a lia bility to the Fraternity, to society or to the community where he lives. It further demands that a candidate’s ap plication must be 100% approved by the members of the organization pres ent during balloting. Going now to the core of the dis cussion of the theme on “How Ma sonry can Implement and Promote the Practice of the Golden Rule through out ‘die World,” this can be attained or realized by observing the follow ing: 1. Let us be reverent: The first and foremost thing necessary in the implementation of the practice of the Golden Rule is to be righteous with God. Let us recognize His power and supremacy over all things and all creations. He, being the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything therein found; let us fully believe and trust in Him as our Savior and Re deemer: let us endeavor to know His teachings, keep and follow the same; for He is the source of all mercy, love, truth, wisdom, material blessings and forgiveness. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, (Ps. 1 :7) and when we have wisdom we begin to understand the importance and the need to serve others and be concerned with their own welfare. There is no greater happiness than to make other people happy. 2. Let us be benovolent: Since the implementation of the Golden Rule involves action and a corresponding reaction, action from one party and reaction from another, the act of good ness, of benevolence and kindness, and of love must first come from a true and dedicated Mason. We must stick to the saying that “Once a Ma son, always a Mason.” This simple saying carries with it the implication that once a Mason, all that it stands for, all that it teaches or preaches should be implemented, followed and carried out to attain its objective of universal brotherhood living in peace, harmony and brotherly affection. 3. Let us love our enemies: To many people, this might be quite a difficult thing to do, but in Masonry, it can be done and it will surely help in the implementation of the Golden Rule anywhere. Is there any deed more noble than to love the very peo ple who hate us; to do good to those who do evil things against us? Did not God command all of us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves? That word neighbor is a general term and may mean our friends as well as for our enemies. 4. Let us be friendly : Friendliness is one virtue which promotes internanational understanding among people. When we are friendly to our neigh bors and to all people whom we meet or come in contact with regardless of religion, creed or color, we make them feel happy and make the meeting, or the occasion one that is memorable, leaving a lasting impression upon their minds regarding our attitude to wards them. Everyone appreciates people who are friendly and cheerful. This, no doubt, will contribute in no sma'll measure to the implementation and promotion of the practice of the Golden Rule throughout the world. 5. Let us be tolerant: Tolerance, especially religious tolerance, — the right of every man to worship God and to seek salvation in accordance with the teachings of his particular church—is a cardinal principle in Masonry. It is an admirable teaching in Mpsonrv in which the organiza tion docs not select members coming Turn to page 23 JULY, 1967 21 GOLDEN RULE. . . From p.g. 21 from only a certain religious sect. Anyone who believes in God as the Father of all men and Creator of all things, can be a candidate for membership in the Craft. This fac tor eliminates religious discrimination and hence, acceptable to all people which again will promote better inter national understanding and goodwill towards all men. 6. Finally, I would like to quote the Masonic Belief and the Masonic Teachings below: “The Masonic Belief There is one God, the Father of all men. The Holy Bible is the Great Light in Masonry and the Rule and Guide for faith and practice. Man is immortal. Character determines destiny. * INSTALLED . . . Bethel No. 2, Manila, International Order of Job's Daughters, held its in stallation of officers on Sunday, July 9. MW Mariano Q. Tinio was their guest speaker. Those installed are: Nathalie V. Dacanay, Honored Queen; Nympha Edralin, Senior Princess; Cora Luz Melocoton, Junior Princess; Carolyn Israel, Guide; Jeanne R. Ja cob, Marshal; Josefina Villanueva, Chaplain; Mona Noceto, Librarian; • RICA FORT IS LAID TO REST... We regret to announce the pass ing away of WB Godofredo P. Ricafort. He died of a heart attack at the Manila Sanitarium on July 8, 1967. Masonic services were held in his honor in the Eighteenth Degree of the Scottish Rite at the Scottish Rite Temple on July 9. Shortly before that, his Sisters and Brothers in the Order of Eastern Star, Rosario Vil laruel Chapter No. 2, held a service for him. Final rites were held at the Love of men is, next to love of God, man’s first duty. Prayer, communion of man with God, is helpful. The Masonic Teaching Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benovolence, to protect chastity, to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the princi ples and revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the al tar, support the government, incul cate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, implore His mercy and hope for happiness.” which if all Masons, wherever they may be, will only strive to live by, keep and follow throughout their lives, will no doubt help implement and promote the practice of the Golden Rule throughout the world. A Melanie Sunsuaco, Musician; Aida Sevilleja, Treasurer; Yvonne Corrcos, Recorder; Jesusa Ludan, Senior Cus todian; Portia Cabrera, Junior Custo dian ; Trinidad Aquino, First Mes senger; Agnes de Leon, Second Mes senger; Marcia Capinpin, Third Mes senger; Priscilla Gallardo, Fouith Messenger; Mildred Rollolazi, Fifth Messenger; Sabina Ines, Inner Guard; Grace Amistoso, Outer Guard. Pinaglabanan Catholic Church on Monday, July 10, after which he was laid to rest in the cemetery of San Juan. In life, WB Ricafort attained high positions in Masonry by being a 33°, AASR; a Knight Templar; a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, a Shriner, a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, and a Past Master of his Lodge. He has also held various positions in the Grand Lodge. A JULY, 1967 23

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