In Royal Arch Masonry we often hear the expression "My brethren and
Companions" used by a speaker who wishes to address us. When you hear this
group of four words do you ever think about its meaning; do you ever reflect
upon its implications?In my latter years as a schoolteacher I undertook, in September, to develop
the code of conduct with the students. It was called our Rights and
Responsibilities and was developed through class discussion. The
students were of ages 9 through 11 but already had an understanding of that most
basic of laws in physics: For every action there is an equal in opposite
reaction. In their terms it was stated, "For every right there is a
responsibility".
The students would come up with such basic truths as: "I have the right to
learn as much as possible and the responsibility to help others learn"; "I have
the right to enjoy coming to school and the responsibility of making things
pleasant for my classmates".
When I call you my brother, I am expressing my acceptance of you as a member
of my extended family, and, hopefully, you accept me as one of yours. As
brethren we can expect to listen to each other's ideas and give them due
consideration. It is up to me to realize when you have had a bad day and
make allowances for things you might say out of frustration, and you must pay me
the same courtesy. You are ready to cover me for when I just can't prepare
a piece of work in time, and I for you. We must each make an effort to
realize when the other is experiencing some personal stress and help out in
little ways. It is also contingent upon me to defend your character when
it is wrongfully traduced, even when I may be tempted to agree with the
complainant
'Tis said that you cannot choose your family, but you can choose your
friends'. In Freemasonry we choose our brethren, and the Royal Art places
into our hands the tools to create a rock-solid relationship based on Brotherly
Love Relief, and Truth.