Master's Messages

Masters Message - 02/16/2025

Brotherly love means…

Brothers,

One of my favorite tenets of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love.

Why?

Because beautiful things happen when we accept one another for who they are.

Some of us are extremely private, others are extroverts, introverts, deeply religious, love to talk, hate to talk, love to help, the list goes on.

But ALL of us are working on ourselves (or should be) daily. To be a better Man, Brother, Father, etc.

WE need to have faith that our Brothers are truly working on themselves - and give grace on their behalf for that benefit.

Our Brotherly “Love languages” vary. Don’t expect everyone to share your perspective of “what a good Mason does”.

A Brother may not help take out the trash after a lodge meeting, but perhaps finds their ability to help monetarily or by volunteering at lodge events, or conducting degree work, etc.

So, we’ll continue to love each other, as brothers do - for better or worse and for who we are as individuals.

Fraternally Thine,

Joshua J. Hernandez, Master

Camp Knox #919 F&AM

***** THE EXTENDED VERSION *****

There are 3 points I'd like to make. Mixture of Masonic & Christian. 

1) Unconditional Love and Support // Brotherly Love as a Cornerstone of Freemasonry

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7

True brotherhood isn't about trying to change each other - it's about embracing and supporting one another, despite our differences.  Just as Christ accepts us, we should extend the same grace to our brothers. 

"By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family..." - Kentucky Monitor pg. 49, 1990.

In Masonry, brotherly love is one of the principal tenets, reminding us that we must accept & support each other without judgment. 

2) Strength in Diversity // Equality and the Level

"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Our fraternity is stronger when we appreciate each brother's unique background, personality and strengths.  We don't have to be the same to be united - we just need to respect and value each other. 

"The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope." - Kentucky Monitor pg. 265, 1990. 

We all stand on the same level, regardless of status, wealth, or personal differences. This symbolizes the importance of treating ach other with fairness and respect, embracing each brother as he is. 

3) Judgment vs Love 

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers." - James 2:8-9

Brotherhood isn't about picking and choosing who to accept based on personal preferences. True love and unity come from treating every brother with the same respect and kindness, regardless of differences. 

Master's Message - 02/03/2025

“Friendship means little when convenient.”

- an old saying…also a quote for John Wick 4 :-)

Brothers,

Whether from ancient wisdom or a regurgitation in a new film - the intent & meaning is timeless.

What is the purpose of “brotherhood” or “family” or “friendship” if it is only used when convenient?

Is your time or effort for another Brother or the Craft TRULY NOT within your cable tow?

These are questions that only our conscience can answer.

As a Man, we must look inward and ask ourselves about our own direction & decisions.  

As Brothers, we may not judge another Man’s decision - but pray he remains on a true course.

As a Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, we must help each other.

Fraternally Thine,

Joshua J. Hernandez, Master

Camp Knox #919 F&AM

***** THE EXTENDED VERSION *****

There are three points I'd like to elaborate on (as concisely as possible), regarding the above topic.  

1. Consistency in Support. True friendship requires showing up in both good & difficult times.  If we only reach out when it's convenient, we undermine the foundation of brotherhood. 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." - Proverbs 17:17

True friendship isn't seasonal or conditional. Genuine friendship & brotherhood is tested and proven when life gets difficult.  We must be present for each other at all times, not just when it's convenient. 

2. Accountability & Responsibility. Brotherhood isn't just a label - it's a commitment to holding each other accountable and being dependable even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable. 

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Brotherhood means being responsible for one another.  When one of us stumbles, we have a duty to lift each other up - not stand idly by or wait for someone else to step in. 

3. Actions speak louder than words. Saying we're brothers means nothing without actions that prove it.  Being present, listening, and showing empathy are what make fraternity bonds meaningful. 

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17

Just as faith without action is empty, brotherhood without genuine acts of care and support are meaningless. Our words must be backed by actions that demonstrate our commitment to each other.