Let Your Light Shine!
By Most Illustrious Companion John D. Barnes
Past Most Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Treasurer, Grand Council of New Jersey

Tradition is not about guarding the ashes, but keeping the flame alive.– attr. Gustav Mahler

My Companion:

A religious song from my distant youth talked about not hiding your light under a bushel, but shining it everywhere for everyone to see. You should do the same with Cryptic Masonry.

I don’t mean just wearing purple when you go to Lodge, or wearing 72 purple lapel pins. And you certainly can’t wear your triangular apron in Lodge. Cryptic Masonry, and Capitular Masonry and Chivalric Masonry, goes beyond wearing symbols. You are the symbol!

Your swift and sure actions, your courteous demeanor, your thorough knowledge of the teachings of Masonry, should mark you as a Cryptic Mason, a York Rite Mason. Your Brothers, Companions and Sir Knights should know they can rely on you. Not just to be a sideliner; not someone they can count on to make their quorum, but would never seek out with a question about Masonry. They should always look forward to having you at their meeting, be glad to have you in the room, and know that they can always turn to you for help, aid and assistance.

Let the Light of Masonic Knowledge shine through all you think, say and do, both within and outside of our walls. That Light will be a beacon to others, leading them out of darkness. You are the Light.