My Masonic Journal

Bittersweet

Oct 26 2012 | 0 comments

I am one week and 4 days into my new job. Glad that after almost two years of a fulfilling journey as a fulltime stay-at-home dad, I am now once more back in the workforce. Once again ready to serve my nation and pay my dues. 

But this joyous occasion was recently marked with intense sorrow. The death of my father. He passed away just 3 days ago, October 23, 2012 at 3AM. The news of his passing put me in state of disbelief. I shunned myself. Got scared of ringing phones and too afraid to check my email and Facebook. I didn't want to hear about it over and over. Maybe I'll wake up soon and my pa will still be alive.

For the time being I am suspending all the projects that I am working on. I may also be unable to respond to your messages right away. If it is something that is really urgent, you know how to find me.

 Anyone who spends a good amount of time online have probably seen the "Keep Calm and ..." meme posters. I googled its origins was pleasantly surprised to discover the historical significance of this meme. It was produced by the Government of the United Kingdom in 1939  during the Beginning of the Second World War. The original text reads "Keep Calm and Carry On" and was intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. Here's my take on this historical artifact and now a popular meme:



 


A good scientific documentary about the nature of LI/G\HT. Based on the study by Sir Isaac Newton and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe- both of them Freemasons. From Darkness to Light. Enjoy!



Bro. Chris Hodapp has a new poll at his Freemasons for Dummies blog asking Masons if there is just ONE appendant group that they could join, what would it be?

A tough question especially that most Masons are interested in joining both of the most well known appendant bodies- the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite. But in this poll scenario, there could only be one. 

Anyway, I am one of those Masons which some may refer to as "esoterically inclined". I enjoy researching the works of Manly P. Hall and Albert Pike and because of that inclination, I'm kind of leaning towards joining the Scottish Rite.

But then again, knowing that there is no higher degree than the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason (aka the 3rd Degree), I find myself questioning my desire to gain more degrees beyond the Third. 

So I guess I'll pass on this poll for now, but in 2 years, if my Lodge will have me, I will serve as the Master. And when my term is over, maybe I'll think about joining the "higher" bodies. But for now, I'm happy with my position as a self-fashioned Blue Lodge Fundamentalist. 


I'm not very good with words so from time to time I like to express my thoughts through art such as this one. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

S&F,

John Paul Gomez

Doric Lodge No. 316

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Living Stones Freemason MagazineFraternalTies would like to congratulate Living Stones Masonic Magazine on its first year Anniversary. Living Stones is a monthly magazine for Freemasons dedicated to the pursuit of Masonic enlightenment through education. Featuring articles from our generations foremost Masonic authors such as Bro. Timothy Hogan (The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual), Bro. Cliff Porter (The Secret Psychology of Freemasonry), Bro. John S. Nagy (The Building Better Builder Book Series), Bro. Andrew Hammer (Observing The Craft), and many more! Living Stones is published by Bro. Robert Herd. Please visit the Living Stones Magazine website for more information. 


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